3 swimming pool questions...?

Question

Just wondering if it is safe to run my swimming pool pump when it is raining? Also, should it be covered when not in use to protect it from the elements? Lastly, I cleaned the filter for the first time today after having it installed Monday & it was all brown. I washed it but it is stained brown. Is that to be expected?

Thank you!

Answer 1

it am pretty sure it is safe to run a pool pump when it is raining because where i live it rains a lot and nothing happens to the pool. if you don't cover your pool then all the bugs like masquito's and there larva will get into the pool and other bugs too and it will get all slimey  in the bottom (more than it would when covered). it is supposed to get brown you need to re fill it and scrub it up.

Answer 2

It's safe to run your filter...but like the previous poster said...give it a break.  You won't be in it when it's raining, or shouldn't be.  Lightning can develop in a shower quickly, so best to stay out of the pool even in sprinkles.

Depends on the cover you have, for your second question.

My childhood swimming pool wasn't one of those cheapy inflatable things Wal-Mart sells...so it's cover was one that was designed to only put on during the off season.

Yeah, you will sometimes get frogs in there, but consider, you're using a chlorinator (or should be)...so you won't get any nasties from them.

If your filter was brown, if your pool has been set up awhile, that would be expected...but from Monday?  Was any DE in it?

If so, that may be the answer...or if you're not using a chlorinator, then that may be the answer.

It is suspect...so if someone installed this for you, I'd call them and ask.

Answer 3

yes its safe to run when its raining... rain is going to get in anyway and cause the ph balence to change reguardless... u may hav had residule left from the other filter after u change it... on another note, how would u like to not hav to maintainence your pool at all? and, swim in chemical free water , no chemicals added ever... kinda like swimming in Avian water... if your interested in the idea email me at [e-mail] and i tell ya

Answer 4

I am to assume that the pool you are talking about is an above ground pool. I think you need to add a little more info as well...like what kind of filter you are using? De? Sand? Etc? Additionally...what brand is the filter? Hayward??

The basic answer to this questions **above ground pool/filter system...is that you should not be running the filter while it is raining as you probably have your filter plugged into an electrical extension cord. There isn't any safeguard mechanism with these systems. As far as covering...your really don't need to because they make the systems ready to handle normal weather...if you live up north where it gets cold and water freezes then you will actually be disconnecting your filter every fall and storing for the winter. As far as cleaning...the cleaning should be done according to company recommendation. The Filter Grid will get dirty and that is good as you know the filter is doing its job...it will stain and this is normal.

Answer 5

You should run your pool motor/filter at a minimum of 8 hours a day, and even longer if it is in direct sunlight all day long.  Just because it is raining, don't shut your pump off.  Rain water usually has bacteria or other nasty particles in it, which will require to be filtered out of it, so don't shut your pool off when its raining and actually adding bacteria or other unwanted elements to your pool water.

Ideally, you should run your pool from 9am to 5pm.  If your pool sits in a large yard out in the sun all day, you might consider running it until 6 or 7 at night.  

Pool Filters and pumps and everything else pool equipment is meant to deal with the elements.  While it will not hurt to give it some shelter, you want to make sure you give it adequate room in case you need to make plumbing repairs, or anything else in the future.. If you live in a climate where you close your pool for the winter months, then it would be a good idea to remove your equipment and store them inside where it is warm, and there is no chance of freezing.  While being left out in the cold and snow wont hurt it, you will prolong the life of your pool pump by a few years by bringing it in for the winter months.

As for your filter.... you obviously do not have a sand filter since you said you cleaned it after a few days....

You have either a cartridge filter, or a Diatomaceous Earth Filter (DE for short).

If you have a DE filter, you need to add Filter powder, which amazingly is called DE.

You need to add 1 pound of filter powder for every 10 sq. Foot of filtering media.  So if you look on the side of your filter, you will see the label which will tell you what size the filter is.  Most are either 36 or 48 Sq . Foot..  IF you have a 36, you want to add 4 pounds, and if its 48, add 5 pounds.

If you have a cartridge filter, you just have to clean it off, nothing is added.

You said that the filter was Brown,... that could be a sign of a metal found in the water.. Most likely Manganese...  The filter will turn brown over time and there isnt much you can do for it, it just happens.  The Filter is still fine, and will work just as good, its just that the color has been tinted from the metal(s).

If you have a DE filter, and the  filter powder was never added, you can stain the filter grids, but again, once you clean them off, they will work just as effectively as before.  Just make sure you add the filter powder, the filter powder on a DE filter is what actually cleans your water, the filter grids inside are just a medium to hold the powder in place to allow the powder to work and clean the water.

Answer 6

yes, it is safe to run it while it's raining, but you don't have to keep it running, since you won't be in the pool when it's raining, obviously. this would be a good time to shut it off and give it a break. also, you should keep the pool covered overnight, especially because animals can get in. there have been times I didn't put a cover on my pool, and the next morning I found frogs inside! about the filter, I don't think it should be that brown already, has your water been really dirty? are you just opening up your pool the first time for the summer?