FAQs

My heater will not fire, what should I do?

There are many reasons why a heater will not fire. To avoid an unnecessary service call and to help us prepare for the repair, ensure the following:

1. The gas to the heater is turned on
2. The pilot is on
3. If an electronic ignition heater, the power to the heater is on
4. The filter pressure is within normal operating ranges
5. The pump is turned on, and if a 2 speed pump, it is on high speed
6. The thermostat is turned up

If the answer to all these questions is yes, then call to schedule a service stop. If you have an electronic ignition heater and it is giving a fault code, please have that code available when you call.

My pool is green, what is the problem?

Green or cloudy pools can be caused by many issues. The first thing to check is the chemical levels, and you need to ensure that they are all within the acceptable parameters. If there is little or no chlorine in the pool, you need to shock the pool with chlorine to kill the algae. When shocking a pool, it is a good practice to let the system run for at least 24 hours to properly circulate those chemicals.

Another reason that the pool will be green or cloudy is a dirty filter system. Check the pressure on your filter and ensure that it is operating at the normal pressure. If it is running high, you will need to either backwash or clean the filter elements depending on what kind of filter you have.

How often should I be checking the chemicals in my pool?

Hastings Water Works recommends testing the water chemistry at least once a week. The more often that you check your water chemistry, the easier it will be to control. Ensure that you are using a reliable test kit and that you are replacing your test reagents yearly. If any readings are not within the acceptable parameters, add the necessary chemicals to bring those levels up. It is always more cost effective to deal with the problem as soon as it is noticed, as a green pool will require a lot more effort to turn clear again.

Do swim diapers work?

The use of swim diapers and swim pants may give many parents and pool staff a false sense of security regarding fecal contamination.

Little scientific information exists on how well they are able to keep feces or infection-causing germs from leaking into the pool. Even though diapers or swim pants may hold in some feces, they are not leak proof and can still contaminate the pool water. It is unlikely that swim diapers are able to keep diarrheal stools, the high risk event, from leaking into the pool and no manufacturers claim these products prevent leakage of diarrhea into pools.

Be aware that swim diapers and swim pants are not a solution for a child with diarrhea or a substitute for frequent diaper changing. It is recommended that you change your child often and make frequent trips to the toilet while swimming.

Pool operators should try and make sure that parents:

Understand the importance of NOT swimming when ill with diarrhea.
Plan regular diaper changing and frequent (approximately every 30 to 60 minutes) trips to the toilet that will further reduce the chance of fecal contamination. This can also reduce the amount of urine in the pool that is binding with disinfectant and creating irritating by-products.

What is the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Act?

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Act went into affect December 18, 2008. This is the first ever Federal Law that applies to all commercial swimming pools. The landmark law primarily deals with preventing underwater swimming pool entrapment.

Here is a video with more information concerning the new law.