Fiberglass Pools Use & Care Manual
Pump and Motor
Your pump is constructed to give you years of trouble-free service. These are some of the basic instructions:
1) Do not run your pump dry. The warranty on your pump and motor is null and void if the pump has run dry. If the strainer cavity is drained of water during the cleaning of the strainer basket, it must be “primed” prior to starting the system again. This is accomplished by filling the pump pot with water and then quickly sealing the lid. If your pump does not maintain its prime, call your authorized fiberglass pool dealer for instructions.
2) Save all instruction tags and warranties on your pump and motor. It is a good idea to copy all information from the motor in the event a replacement motor or parts are needed.
3) Prevent the motor from getting wet. When hosing down your deck, keep water away from the motor. Rain and/or water off the eaves of the house can also damage the motor. A cover over the motor will insure longer life of the motor. This cover should allow adequate ventilation so the motor does not run hot.
Your circulation system should run for four to six hours per day in the summer months. You can circulate your pool during the day or night depending on personal preference. During the winter months, it is advisable to run your circulation system two to four hours per day. You should circulate the pool at night to help prevent the equipment from freezing during severe weather.
Strainer (Next to Pump)
The lint and hair strainer basket collects lint, hair, etc., and prevents it from entering the pump and filter. Clean as required, typically once per week. Before removing lid to strainer basket, be sure to turn the motor off. After cleaning and resecuring the strainer basket, prime the pump and turn the motor on. Open the air relief valve on top of the filter to remove air which may be trapped in the filter. Silicone based grease (Aqua Lube) on the o-ring in the lid will assure you a better seal. Sandy dirt collected in the bottom of the strainer housing can be washed out by removing the plug at the bottom of the strainer housing with a water hose.
Surface Skimmers
Read your factory instructions on operation, maintenance and warranty. Your surface skimmer is designed to remove all those things that float on the surface of your pool. They are collected in the basket inside the skimmer. This basket should be periodically removed and cleaned.
Replacing Underwater Light bulb
1) Turn off the breaker at the electrical panel.
2) Be sure the light is turned off.
3) There is one screw which holds the light in place. It is located at the top of the light. Remove this screw.
4) Pull the light out of the niche.
5) Unwrap the cord from around the light.
6) Place the light on the deck.
7) Remove the light bulb and replace it with a new underwater light bulb.
8) Place the light back in the pool and resecure it to the niche. Do not test the new light bulb until the light is replaced in the pool. The light bulb will explode and cause the whole light fixture to have to be replaced.
Decks, Walkways, and Patios
Keep all areas adjacent to the pool as clean as possible. All dirt, dust, debris, etc., on these areas are blown or tracked into your pool, increasing the chlorine demand. Hosing off these areas with water is the accepted method of cleaning them. Keep wash water out of the pool as much as possible.
Pool chemicals in concentrate can etch and/or stain your deck area. Be careful not to spill pool chemicals on these surfaces. If you should spill chemicals on the deck be sure to rinse the area with large quantities of fresh water.
Occasionally, in the summer months, you may encounter algae growing on the deck area. Should this occur, wash the area with an algaecide solution (1 part algaecide to 8 parts water). Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.