To Download the Pool Maintenance Tips as a PDF file, CLICK HERE.

Fossil Creek Pools has compiled a list of topics on some commonly asked questions. These

topics can be your one stop source for any of your basic pool and spa maintenance

techniques. Don't hesitate to contact a Fossil Creek Pools representative for questions you

may have. We value your business!

Routine Maintenance

The following is a checklist to help insure that you are doing all that is required for complete pool

maintenance.

Maintain proper chemical balance - test water three (3) times per week and follow instructions for

control of total alkalinity, pH, chlorination, Superchlorination, water hardness.

Maintain pump and skimmer - clean out debris from skimmer basket and pump basket to maximize

flow rate. To clean the pump basket, turn off pump, remove pump lid, take out basket and clean. After

cleaning, put basket into pump. Lubricate O-ring under pump lid, if needed, before putting pump lid

back on. After pump lid is in place, turn pump back on to be sure the pump picks up “prime.” To pick

up prime means that the pump begins to pump water. The filter will also gradually build up pressure.

This should take under a minute or two. If pump does not prime, turn off pump, take off pump lid and

fill pump up with a bucket of water. Turn pump back on after lid is secured in place. NEVER RUN THE

PUMP IF IT DOES NOT PICK UP PRIME!!

Lubricate valves and O-rings - if any valves begin to get difficult to move, this means they need to

be lubricated, do not force them. Most valves are taken apart and lubricated quite easily. We

recommend using a silicone based lubricant for valves. Lubricate the pump lid O-ring with vasoline or

something similar when it appears dry. This will keep a tight seal between the pump lid and the pump

and prevent air leaks from occurring.

Brush plaster - brush plaster on walls, floors, steps and benches as required. Two times per week is

usually enough under normal weather conditions.

Maintain filter - clean or backwash filter as required to maintain proper filtration and water flow through

the system. See the owner’s manual supplied with the filter for proper procedure to take care of your

filter. If you need a manual you may also download via this web site.

Maintain water level - the water level should should be kept 1/2 way up the skimmer. Most pools

have an automatic water leveler to keep pools from getting too low. If the water level should get too

high, remove water from pool by hooking up a garden hose to supplied hose bib located somewhere in

the piping at the equipment. Direct garden hose where you want water to drain to and while pump is

running, open the hose bib and water will begin to drain out of the pool. The water level should NEVER

be so high that it is touching the coping.

Maintain cleaning systems - most cleaning systems require little or no maintenance. Consult the

cleaning system's manual for more information.

Time clocks and hour of operation - the most common type of time clock is the mechanical type that

is located at the equipment. While looking at the clock, the time of day should be under the arrow that

is pointing down. If it needs to be adjusted, take hold of the round clock, pull it toward you and turn it

until the proper time is under the arrow and release. This should only need adjusting if there is power

failure. To set hours of operation, move the “ON” clip to the time of day you want the pump to turn on

and the “OFF” clip at the time you want the pump to turn off. This shouldn't need to be adjusted very

often. We recommend running the pump 6-8 hours in the cooler months and 10-12 hours in the hot

summer months.

Swimming Pool Maintenance – Page 1 (of 3)

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