How long should I run my pool pump every day?
We recommend during the swimming season that you run your filtration system for 8hrs per day, in
the cooler months you can reduce to 3-4 hours per day. Its important to continue to test your pool
water all year round to ensure the levels stay in range to avoid damage to other pool items like
pool cleaners, pool covers etc.
How often should I test my pool water?
For home or residential pools we recommend testing your pool water at least weekly- fortnightly in
Summer. During ther colder months when the pool isnt being used, testing the pool water every 2- 4 weeks
should be enough.
For shared pools or unit complexes we recommend testing your pool every week.
Ph and chlorine levels should be tested every day in high use pools, we recommend a 2 in 1 test kit
as we find the test strips are inaccurate.
Why is my pool cloudy or green?
Is your water level above the skimmer box? If not, fill it up. This is to provide proper water flow
to the pump and efficient filtration.
Have you had your water tested recently? If not bring in a sample.
If we’ve had lots of rain, it’s possible there lots of fresh water and the chemicals are diluted
and need to be added. Get your water tested by a professional.
A Cloudy pool is a great indication that the chemical balance is out and the pool should be
rebalanced after a proffesional water test.
Why is my Pool Green?
The main contributing factor to a pool turning green is low free chlorine levels and incorrectly
balanced water. Professional water testing should be the first step to take and then rebalance the
pool water along with additional filtration time. This should clear
up the water and return the water to clear.
How do I know if I have mustard algae?
First steps:
Brush the pool down. If you notice a dust clouds up and it is yellow/brown colour this is usually a
good indicator.
How do I treat it?
We recommend a copper-based algaecide- we use the Algon’s HOTZONE.
If your copper levels are too high, we recommend a copper free algaecide and we use Algae Control-
from Pool Pro.
Why is my pool constantly cloudy, even after having perfectly balanced pool water?
If you have been battling clarity issues even when chemically the pool is ok, it’s possible we need
to look at your filter.
Is it a cartridge filter or Media Filter?
If it’s a cartridge, when did you last clean it?
If you find yourself cleaning it a great deal, maybe it’s time to replace the element or upgrade to
a better system.
If the Flow seems better without the element inside the filter- this can indicate the element is
clogged and needs to be replaced.
If you’re having clarity issues with your media filter:
How old is it? What brand is it?
Has the media ever been replaced?
What is the media inside? (I,e, glass or sand)
Have you ever cleaned the media? Whether the media is glass or sand we recommend trying a product
known as, LoChlor Enviroclean.
There’re a few factors to consider before replacing your filter. These filter’s usually last 10+
years. We’ve seen some last 15-20+ years. Consult Centenary Pool Mart for more Filtration Tips.
How often should I clean my Chlorinator Cell?
Some Chlorinators are Reverse Polarity meaning Self-cleaning. However, Cells will still need
cleaning from Time to Time. We recommend a 10% Acid 90% Water Mix.
If It’s a reverse polarity chlorinator it will depend how high the chlorine, salt & calcium levels
are as this can affect the build-up/ cleaning.
If your cell is caking up with calcium quite quickly, we recommend a product known as Aquagaurd
from Lochlor. This will help reduce the build-up on the cell.
How often should I get my pool serviced?
Great question. It just depends on your level of commitment.
If you just want to swim in your pool and nothing else, we suggest a weekly service or fortnightly
service. This just depends on the pool’s bather load & surroundings. If you have a leafy pool and a
lot of debris gets into the pool, we suggest weekly!
If you’re happy to do things in-between services such as scooping leaves & emptying baskets, a
monthly service is the way to go. We would suggest testing the pool between visits during Summer
though.
If you have no idea what you’re doing with pool maintenance, we suggest you organise a pool
handover. Our Pool technicians are incredibly knowledgeable and can teach you how your equipment
works, what to do to maintain your pool, what chemicals need to be added and anything else you may
need answered.
What Pool Cleaner is best for my pool?
There are a lot of factors that come into play when recommending an automatic cleaner for a
swimming pool.
Following questions are usually asked.
Do you have a lot of leaves dropping in the pool?
Do you find yourself emptying the skimmer box every few days? How big is your pool?
What shape is your pool?
How much Debris does your pool see?
Suction cleaners are made to stay in the pool, only removed on the rare occasions.
Robotic cleaners- are made to be removed after each cycle.
Robotic Pool Cleaners provide superior cleaning over suction cleaners, however suction cleaners are
less work in terms of human intervention. We prefer robotic pool cleaners over suction cleaners for
a few reasons:
1. When you swim in the pool you are not swimming around a cleaner hose.
2. The Dirt and debris stay in your robot and save wear and tear on your pool filter and pump.
3. Reduces Backwashing and cartridge cleaning as less debris is entering the filter.
4. Robots Scrub the pool whilst vacuuming up the dirt and leaves.
5. Most robots can clean the floor, walls and waterline during the cycle.
Why does my robotic cleaner not last outside the warranty period?
A few things to be considered:
Is it possible it’s undersized for your pool? Do you use it every day?
Are you taking care of it?
Do you get your pool water regularly tested to ensure there’s no chemical damage to the robot? –
This applies to suction cleaners as well.
Does it stay in the pool permanently? Robots should be removed from the pool after use to prevent
premature failure. This allows the robot to dry out which will in turn prevent water ingress into
electrical areas of the robot.
What is CYA and why is my chlorine not working?
Cyanuric Acid plays a big role in protecting your Chlorine from the Suns UV ray. Unless you are
running a cover or have an indoor pool, Cyanuric Acid should always be present in the water to help
reduce chlorine loss, particularly if the pool water us subject to
direct sunlight.
Cyanuric Acid only dilutes by fresh water; most average residential pools use 2-4kgs per
season.
How long do I wait to swim after adding chemicals?
The answer to this question isn’t straight forward. It really depends on what chemicals you are
using and how much. Consult a pool professional based on what chemicals you require to see how long
until the pool can be used.
Which robot pool cleaner should I buy?
We prefer Maytronics Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaners as they are more powerful than cheaper
cordless brands. The Filtration is finer which provides a better quality clean of your pool. The
ultrafine leaf cannister collect fine particles which in turn then gives a better water quality
and much clearer water!
Robotic Cleaners should come with a good quality warranty and have parts available to repair if
required, most cheap robots are a throw away item when the robot fails.
Do I need a pool safety certificate?
You may need to get a safety certificate if you are buying, selling or leasing a property with a
pool.
Pool safety certificates are valid for:
• 1 year for shared pools
• 2 years for non-shared pools.
Who we recommend: Deb Herde: 0407576882
If you’re buying, selling or leasing a property with a pool a safety certificate is required. 1
year for shared pools ie (body corporates, hotels etc)
2 years for non-shared pool (ie, your own)
