Pool Services
Pool Rescuers, based in Gilbert, Arizona, is a trusted name in professional pool care, providing a comprehensive range of services for residential swimming pools. With over a decade of experience, we specialize in ensuring your pool remains pristine and safe for enjoyment all year round. Our services include regular cleaning and maintenance, chlorine and acid washing, filter cleaning and repair, pool draining and fills, as well as equipment repair and installation. We are particularly skilled in transforming green, algae-infested pools into crystal-clear swimming havens. Our dedicated team, deeply rooted in the Phoenix Valley community, is committed to your satisfaction, offering a happiness guarantee with every service.
Many homeowners try to do their own pool repairs, but the reality is that it’s generally best left to the professionals. Not only can a professional help reduce repair costs, they will also ensure the work is done correctly to prevent further damage.
One common issue is high water pressure in the filtration system. Often this is caused by a dirty filter or a clogged pump.
Keeping your pool pump and filter clean will help it work to its maximum potential. The pump keeps the water moving and prevents stagnation, while the filter removes debris and contaminants from the pool’s water. Neither function can be neglected, but it is essential to keep them both well-maintained.
During the summer, pool filters can get filled with suntan oil, bits of palm frond and plain old dirt. These can clog the filter, causing it to slow down or stop working altogether. The good news is that a little TLC during the fall and winter can prevent this from happening.
If your sand filter seems to be struggling, backwash it. Generally, it is recommended that you backwash your filter when the pressure rises 20-25% higher than normal operation. During the backwash cycle, the water is sent down the standpipe and out the laterals and through the sand bed, dislodging any dirt trapped within. The dirty water is then sent through the waste port on the multiport valve.
Once the backwash cycle is complete, make sure you drain the tank, refill and test your water. This is also a great time to change out your filter sand. Most sand filters last about 5-7 years before they wear out, and changing the sand helps to ensure that your system will continue to work properly.
A clogged impeller is typically the result of improper maintenance. The pool pump basket is designed to keep large debris from reaching the motor and clogging the impeller, but even when the filter is inspected and cleaned regularly, small debris can make it past the basket into the volute and cause problems. This is why it’s important to clean the pump basket weekly (read my article on how to clean a pool pump basket for all the steps).
If you notice a lot of sand blowing out of the bottom of your filter after a backwash, there may be a broken lateral or diffuser in the unit. These plastic parts, which have small slits to keep out the sand grains, are located at the bottom of the unit and can leak sand into the pool if cracked.
Luckily, most laterals unscrew, making them easy to remove from the tank for cleaning and inspection. After removing them, soak them in a mixture of water and muriatic acid to clean out any dirt impacted inside them. They are then ready to be re-installed.