Products that can help with filter efficiency
In addition to backwashing or rinsing, specially formulated filter cleaners are an option. For example, many pool professionals choose to use acid-based cleaners, which do a great job of whitening cartridges. However, these cleaners can set grease and oils into the media, reducing the effectiveness of filtration. So, while the filter element might look better, it is not working as well as it would have if the owner removed the grease and oils using an enzyme-based cleaning option, which breaks down these non-living contaminants.
Additionally, incorporating a weekly enzyme maintenance routine can help. Enzymes work as a continuous filter cleaner, breaking down the unwanted non-living contaminants before they have a chance to build up on the filter. This not only provides an easier ownership experience with less filter maintenance required, it also offers crystal clear water with less work for the homeowner.
When servicing pools, Landi adds enzyme products to the water as part of his maintenance regimen to help improve the efficiency of the overall pool program.
“We use a product that combines a naturally based enzyme with a phosphate remover that breaks down the oils, bather waste, and tanning lotions. This way, the sanitizer isn’t being used up to remove these oils from the water,” says Landi.
The phosphate remover in the product helps to maintain low levels of problem-causing phosphates. By proactively removing phosphates weekly, pool owners can reduce potential problems and improve water quality.
When it comes to servicing hot tubs, Belcourt says it is also important to remember having jets increases the need to do more sanitizing and filter cleaning.
“While hot tub jets make bathers’ muscles feel good, they’re also exfoliating the skin. Further, the soaps used to wash one’s swimsuit are also entering the water, as is all the moisturizer one puts on their body after showering,” she explained. “Body wash feels great on the skin when used in the shower; however, it leaves a film on the skin that is removed by the hot tub jets and mixed into the water. All these things can quickly gunk up the filter. Therefore, the use of an enzyme product can be especially important for maintenance professionals when ensuring the hot tub filter remains clean.”
Even when bathers shower before entering a hot tub, contaminants from their bodies can cause sanitizer to be used up very quickly. The more people and the longer they stay in the water, the bigger impact they can have on disinfectant levels. This can lead to an increase in sanitizer demand and even additional efforts needed to clear cloudy water.
The importance of clean plumbing
It is also important for maintenance professionals to clean areas of the pool and/or hot tub that most people typically do not think about during routine care.
Many pool and hot tub owners are unaware of the buildup that can occur inside the plumbing. Running chlorinated water through dirty plumbing can cause the sanitizer to decrease prematurely as it breaks down any non-living buildup inside the lines. A broad-spectrum enzyme product with surfactants can dislodge and displace this buildup, thereby removing it into the body of the pool where it can be properly treated with a heavy chlorine-based shock.
Landi says there are several products on the market that work well and can be put into a skimmer to purge the plumbing lines.
“We find the buildup is less in the pools we service because we use VSPs,” says Landi. “By running the pump longer, water is flowing almost continuously, which helps to avoid these problems. As a part of regular pool maintenance, we recommend cleaning the plumbing every few years.”
In the case of hot tubs, a purge-type product will remove this non-living waste, allowing maintenance professionals to then drain the tub, clean it, and refill it with fresh water.
Belcourt always recommends a pipe purge product be included as part of a regular hot tub maintenance plan for customers.
“Hot water is very different than cold water, and most consumers understand bacteria and other bad stuff is more likely to appear in a warm environment opposed to one that is cold. Therefore, the goal is to keep sanitization of the water inside the hot tub and inside the plumbing consistent, as hot tub water that is not sanitized is far less forgiving,” she says. “As a result, everything we do to ensure the cleanest, clearest water in our customers’ hot tubs has to do with supporting the filter so it is working at maximum efficiency. This means removing all the gunk, so the sanitizer can focus on killing bacteria.”
