Maintenance and Care Questions

Not all filter cartridges are of the same quality, that is why we only use original equipment manufacturers’ (OEM) and Unicel brand high-quality filters.

When was the last time you replaced your filter? The filtration experts at Unicel recommend replacing your filter when it exceeds 10 PSI from the initial “new filter” starting point. This typically results in replacing your filter every 12 months. The climate here in Florida is exceptionally different. Sand, dirt, dust, suntan lotion and especially pollen contribute to clogging the small cells. Once your filter is clogged it significantly reduces water flow and can aid in the blooming of algae.  That is why we clean your filter monthly and recommend replacement of your filter yearly.

One of the first things a filter expert will look for when examining a pool or spa element is the pleat fold or “knuckle radius” of the pleat. Why is this important? If you look carefully, you will notice that some manufacturers’ pleats are very sharp while others are rounded and even appear puffy. With Reemay or other spunbonded polyester medias it is much easier to make a rounded fold than a sharp pleat. Moreover, a rounded fold can mask the filter manufacturer’s inability to make straight pleats or maintain proper pleat spacing.

The cloth used on Unicel’s D.E. grids is 100% Polypropylene unlike other filter manufactures. This fiber, a member of the Polyolefin family, has excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and abrasion, in addition to being both rot and mildew resistant. The use of polypropylene cloth for swimming pool filtration was originally developed by Meissner Mfg. Co. (Unicel’s parent company) during the 1950s. Throughout the forty-year span that polypropylene cloth has been used in this application, this fabric has gone through several modifications. Improvements to critical properties such as yarn construction, weave pattern, and fabric finishing have allowed us to better control the fabric’s “permeability” in order to optimize the D.E. cake handling characteristics. Permeability is the cloth’s flow resistance, expressed in “cubic feet per minute” of airflow as measured with a Frazier permeability machine.

Unicel filters have sharp folds increase the spacing between pleats making it easier to flush out loose debris.  Eliminates bridging allows particles to get down into the pleat instead of laying across the top of two or more pleats. This assures maximum dirt holding. Full utilization of the pleat surface allows debris to build up from the inside out, critical to obtaining the maximum cycle life between cleanings.  Maximizes flow, minimizes pressure loss – by decreasing the surface contact between the inner pleat knuckle and center tube.

The answer is YES – and NO!

There is a charge for our technician to go out to examine your equipment to determine your repair needs. All diagnostic or repair calls are subject to a fee if customer elects not to have repairs performed by Crystal Clear Aquatics. However, this charge will be waived IF your repair work is performed by Crystal Clear Aquatics.

Water clarity depends on daily circulation and filtration. Anything that impedes water flow from the pool to the filter – like failure to run the pump for an adequate amount of time each day – will encourage algae growth.

Your pool pump needs to run for a minimum of 8 hours per day, ideally from 9 am to 5 pm, during the spring and summer time periods. During fall and winter periods, your pump should run 6 hours per day, ideally from 10 am to 4 pm. Proper water circulation is crucial to maintaining clean water and preventing algae from forming in your pool.

Your pool water should be kept at a level that is halfway up the skimmer opening. A water level below the bottom of the skimmer provides potential for the pump to lose its prime and cause the pump motor to burn out.

Yes, your filter cartridge is cleaned monthly. However, while your cartridge appears to be clean, a closer inspection reveals dirt and contamination lodged between the pleats which cannot be completely eliminated after several monthly cleanings.

 Florida’s climate varies greatly compared to “northern” climates many customers are used to. Sand, dirt, dust, landscape debris, pollen, and even suntan lotion contribute to clogging the small cells of your filter cartridge. Despite monthly cleaning, small particles clog your filter and significantly reduce water flow to limit the cartridge’s filtration ability, which can lead to the growth of algae in your pool. For this reason, filter manufacturers recommend filter cartridges be replaced annually.

Water clarity depends on adequate daily circulation and filtration. Anything that impedes water flow – like a dirty or damaged filter – will encourage algae growth.

Crystal Clear Aquatics installs only the highest-quality cartridges at competitive, industry pricing.                                       

“Stabilizer” is a specialty chemical treatment that helps your pool maintain a more stable chemical balance. A stable chemical balance is important to keep the pool plaster from leeching and to keep bacteria under control. If your plaster fails due to large swings in chemical balance, it could cause the need for a re-plaster which would cost you thousands of dollars. Also, if your pool develops black algae, you could be looking at some very expensive repairs.

Preventative algae treatment will eliminate algae immediately and continuously for up to 6 months. For extreme conditions or longer pool seasons (as in South Florida) a booster treatment is added if needed.

Preventative algae treatment reduces the amount of chlorine needed in your pool and eliminates the need for harsh chemicals like phosphate removers, clarifiers, and sodium bromide. In salt systems, it reduces the amount of acid needed to balance the water and keeps the cell cleaner, longer. This improves the quality of water, while prolonging the life of the salt cell and reducing scale build up on surfaces and equipment.

Improved water condition! By eliminating algae and, therefore, reducing chlorine and chemical levels, your pool water will be clean, clear, and healthy – better for your eyes, skin, hair, and lungs! Your water will look and feel like never before!

Call today for a free quote: (561) 318-6750

Recommendations for parts or service will be presented as a written estimate to the customer. Written authorization is required from customer prior to proceeding with installation/replacement of parts or service. (Exception: Chlorine floaters and O-rings, due to minimal cost, shall not require authorization prior to installation.) Estimated cost is for work as specified. Should additional work be necessary which would incur additional cost to customer, a revised estimate will be presented for approval.

Sorry, but NO…

Crystal Clear Aquatics installs only the highest-quality filter cartridges and replacement parts available to pool professionals. While there is no obligation for our customers to utilize our services for any replacement parts, it is our policy not to install parts purchased directly by the customer. We are unable to warranty parts not purchased by and/or installed by us nor can we accept liability for parts purchased by and/or installed by the customer or any damage associated with such purchases/installations.

A loud constant noise is a sign that your pool pump motor is on its last leg and is ready to die. The noise will continue to get louder as it gets closer to dying. Most pool pumps have at least a one-year warranty from the manufacturer. If your pump is less than 1 year old, contact the manufacturer. If your pump is older than one year (and you do not have an extended warranty) our technician will recommend either replacing just the motor or, based upon the pump’s age and condition, may recommend replacing the entire pump.

Swimming pools in South Florida will normally lose water each day. The amount can be as little as 1/8″ per day but can be considerably more during dry season. The amount of normal evaporation depends on several factors: amount of direct sun the pool receives during the day, use of waterfalls and fountains, and amount of use of the pool (each swimmer can reduce the total water by 1/2 gallon as the exit the pool!). If a leak is suspected, you or your technician can mark the water level to monitor the loss. An excessive loss indicates it’s time for a leak detection professional to examine your pool.