Your One Stop For All Your Pool & Spa Needs
Here at the University of Kohler for higher pool and spa learning, we strive to provide the best education possible to all our loyal students. The following section provides answers to some of the more common questions we encounter on a day to day basis. We sincerely hope you will find these useful and please know we will always do our best to answer all your pool and spa questions to the fullest of our ability.
How do I determine how many gallons of water are in my pool or spa?
Knowing how many gallons of water you have is crucial to proper water treatment. By using the following four step calculation you will be able to determine how many gallons of water your pool or spa holds.
1. We must first calculate the Surface Area of the pool or spa in square feet. To do this we use one
of the following formulas that best matches your pool or spa.
2. Next use the following formula to determine the Average Depth of your pool or spa.
( __________________ ft. + __________________ ft. ) Div. by 2 = _________________ ft.
3. Now multiply the surface area by the average depth to determine the approximate Cubic Feet of the pool or
spa.
Surface Area Example in Square Feet Using The Rectangle Formula: 32 ft. L x 16 ft. W = 512 sqft.
Average Depth Example: (3 ft. + 8 ft.) Div. by 2 = 5.5 ft.
__________________ ft. x __________________ ft. = _________________ ft.
4. The last thing we do is multiply the pool or spa's cubic feet by 7.5 to determine the Pool or Spa's Capacity
in gallons of water.
__________________ ft. x 7.5 gallons/ft. = _________________ Total Gallons of Water
Cubic Feet Example: 512 sqft. x 5.5 ft. = 2,816 Cubic Feet
Capacity Example: 2,816 Cubic feet x 7.5 = 21,120 Gallons
That's it you've done it!
How often and for how long should I run my filter?
Another great question, the answer is not the same for your Pool & Spa unless they are the same body of water that shares the same equipment.
Pool The filter on a residential pool should run 6 to 8 hrs everyday. During the summer, extending your
filter time up to 12 hours is optimum.
Spa The minimum filtration time on an above-ground or in-ground spa should be set to run at least
2 to 4 hrs everyday.
When do I know its time to clean my filter?
All filter systems have a normal (starting) operating pressure. The filter requires cleaning when the pressure gauge indicates an increase in pressure of between 8 to 10 psi of your systems normal operating pressure.
As a general rule the pool filter should be cleaned ata minimum 2 times a year (once every six months) and an above-ground spa filter should be cleaned at least as often as the spa is drained and cleaned a minimum of once every 90 days.
How important is it to maintain proper water balance of my pool or spa?
It is essential to properly maintain your pool or spa water for a variety of reasons.
Reason 1.
Reason 2.
Reason 3.
The body of water in a pool or spa is continually re-used for a period of time. Bathers can introduce bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms as well as dirt into the water. The rain and wind also contribute dirt and impurities.
Without proper treatment the growth of algae will quickly spread and turn your water and surfaces unsightly colors.
The water must be maintained properly to prevent corrosion or scale formation both of which can be harmful to your pool, spa and equipment.
What is the importance of proper pH balance?
Maintaining the proper pH balance of a body of water is essential. All water solutions have a pH, which is a measure of the acid to base relationship.
The ideal range for a pool is between 7.2 and 7.6
The ideal range for a spa is between 7.4 and 7.6
When the pH is too high ( above 7.6 ) it can reduce the effectiveness of the sanitizer, cloud the water, promote scale formations on surfaces and equipment, and interfere with filter operations.
When the pH is too low ( below 7.2 ) it promotes rapid sanitizer dissipation, causes skin irritation and corrodes equipment.
Why should I shock my pool or spa?
A good shock treatment program will oxidize harmful contaminants, such as nitrogen and ammonia compounds that when left untreated will reduce the effectiveness of your sanitizer!
It is recommended that you shock your water every 7 to 10 days or after heavy bather load.
Our people at Kohler Pool and Spa Supply are always ready to help you with all you pool and spa needs. So give us call or drop in and say hello!
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