Question 1

Why is water chemistry important for my swimming pool?

Accepted Answer

Balanced water protects your pool structure, tiles, and equipment, and keeps the water safe for swimming. Poor water chemistry can damage the pool, reduce equipment life, and cause skin or eye irritation.

Question 2

What should I test in my pool water?

Accepted Answer

The main things to test are chlorine level, pH, calcium hardness, alkalinity, and salt level (if you have a saltwater system). Each plays an important role in keeping water clean and safe.

Question 3

How often should water be tested?

Accepted Answer

We recommend testing at least once a week. If you have a saltwater system and your pool is used often, you may want to test every 2–3 days.

Question 4

What is the correct pH level for pool water?

Accepted Answer

The ideal range is between 7.2 and 7.6. This keeps chlorine effective and protects both swimmers and pool surfaces.

Question 5

How do I adjust the pH level?

Accepted Answer

If the pH is too high, add pH Minus. If it’s too low, add pH Plus. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adjust gradually.

Question 6

How do I check and adjust chlorine levels?

Accepted Answer

Use a pool water test kit or test strips. For a chlorine pool, add chlorine manually. For a saltwater pool, adjust the salt chlorinator’s output or the pump runtime.

Question 7

How do I check the salt level in a saltwater pool?

Accepted Answer

Use a salt test meter or strips. Most salt systems work best between 3,000 and 4,500 ppm. If it’s low, add pool-grade salt.

Question 8

How do I backwash my sand filter?

Accepted Answer

Turn off the pump, set the filter valve to “Backwash,” and run the pump for 2–3 minutes until the sight glass water is clear. Then set to “Rinse” for 30 seconds before returning to “Filter.”

Question 9

How do I maintain my chlorinator cell?

Accepted Answer

This applies only to saltwater swimming pools. Most salt cells are self-cleaning, but if you notice any scale buildup, it’s best to contact our technician for advice. In some cases, the cell may need to be removed and cleaned with a mild acid solution, but this should be done carefully to avoid damage.

Question 10

What does Sakon Swimmingpool do during a monthly service visit?

Accepted Answer

We test and adjust pH, chlorine, calcium, and alkalinity; check and adjust the salt chlorinator; vacuum the pool; brush the walls and waterline; skim surface debris; backwash the sand filter or clean the cartridge; clean the pump basket; inspect and clean the chlorinator cell; and check the automatic refill system.

Question 11

What should I do between service visits?

Accepted Answer

Keep the pool free from leaves and debris, run the pump daily for the recommended time, and check chlorine and pH weekly. If you see cloudiness or algae starting, contact us immediately so we can prevent bigger problems.

Question 12

Can I swim right after adding chemicals?

Accepted Answer

Most chemicals we use in the pool are safe to swim in immediately after they are added, as long as the water is circulating. The only exception is chlorine shock treatment — in that case, you should wait at least 8 hours or until chlorine levels return to normal.

Question 13

How long should I run my pool pump each day?

Accepted Answer

Most pools need the pump to run 6–8 hours daily. In very hot weather or with heavy use, you may need to run it longer to keep water clean and clear.

Question 14

How can I prevent algae in my pool?

Accepted Answer

Keep the water balanced, run the pump daily, brush the walls weekly, and don’t let chlorine levels drop. A monthly service program is the easiest way to avoid algae.

Question 15

Do I need to drain my pool for cleaning?

Accepted Answer

No, most cleaning is done with the water in place. We only drain a pool for major repairs, resurfacing, or if the water quality is beyond recovery.

Question 16

What should I do if the water turns cloudy?

Accepted Answer

First, check your chlorine and pH levels. Run the pump longer, clean the filter, and remove any debris from the pool. If the water doesn’t clear within 24–48 hours, contact us for service. We will arrive with the right chemicals to adjust the water balance and clear up the water. We will also advise you about the correct running time for your pump and filter, and if needed, check the condition of the sand inside your sand filter..

Question 17

Can you help if my pump or filter stops working?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we handle all pool equipment repairs and replacements, from pumps and filters to chlorinators and timers.

Question 18

Does the pH level change in a saltwater pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in saltwater pools the pH level often rises over time. High pH makes chlorine less effective and can cause scale on tiles and equipment. During our service visits, we always check the pH and add the right amount of pH Minus to bring it back into the correct range.

Question 19

Why is calcium level important in pool water?

Accepted Answer

Calcium hardness needs to be balanced. If it’s too low, it can make the water “hungry” and cause it to dissolve calcium from the pool surface, damaging tiles and grout. If it’s too high, it can cause scaling on tiles, pipes, and equipment. We check calcium levels on our service visits and adjust them by adding calcium increaser or by diluting the water if it’s too high.

Question 20

What is black algae and how do you prevent it?

Accepted Answer

Black algae is a stubborn form of algae that grows into cracks and grout lines. It’s hard to remove once established. We use a special preventative chemical during service visits to stop it from growing, especially in pools that have had black algae problems before.

Question 21

Can iron in the water damage my pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes, water with high iron content can cause brown or rust-colored stains on tiles and surfaces, and can also lead to scaling inside pipes and equipment. We have special chemicals that bind to the iron and prevent it from causing damage.

Question 22

Why do I sometimes smell chlorine even if the level is low?

Accepted Answer

A strong chlorine smell usually means the chlorine is “locked up” as chloramines from dirt, sweat, or sunscreen in the water. This is a sign the pool needs a shock treatment, not that too much chlorine is present.

Question 23

Can rain affect my pool water?

Accepted Answer

Yes, heavy rain can dilute chemicals, lower chlorine, and change pH levels. After rain, it’s important to test the water and rebalance if needed.

Question 24

What is Zelbrite, and why do you use it instead of sand in the filter?

Accepted Answer

Zelbrite, also known as zeolite, is a natural volcanic mineral used as premium filter media. Compared to standard sand, it offers much finer filtration, capturing particles as small as 3 microns (versus around 20 microns with sand), resulting in clearer water and fewer chemical adjustments
 • Less backwashing needed — saves up to 50% water because of its higher dirt-holding capacity.
 • Improves water quality — helps remove ammonia and chloramines, reducing odors and skin or eye irritation.
Many commercial facilities and swim schools choose Zelbrite to deliver top-quality water and reduce maintenance costs.(https://www.directpoolsupplies.com.au/blogs/sand-filters/sand-or-zelbrite?srsltid=AfmBOop0WXGrHZ1qtjbtP5igc7xurviqbKHP4Mfi2IGDfnAwUGEKAtJa&utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Question 25

Will I have to change my filter or backwash more often with Zelbrite?

Accepted Answer

No special equipment is needed and no modifications are required. Zelbrite works in all standard sand filters. In fact, because of its superior filtration capabilities, you’ll typically backwash less often, extending the time between cleanings.(https://www.directpoolsupplies.com.au/blogs/sand-filters/sand-or-zelbrite?srsltid=AfmBOop0WXGrHZ1qtjbtP5igc7xurviqbKHP4Mfi2IGDfnAwUGEKAtJa&utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Question 26

What is the benefit of using a variable speed pump?

Accepted Answer

A variable speed pump can run at different speeds instead of just on or off. For normal daily circulation, it can run at a much lower speed, which uses far less electricity, and only run at high speed when needed for cleaning, backwashing, or special features. This can reduce your pool pump’s power use by up to 50–70%, which means big savings on your electricity bill. It also makes the pump quieter and can extend the life of both the pump and other pool equipment.

Question 27

Is electricity and voltage a problem for pool equipment in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in many parts of Thailand, especially in rural areas, the electricity supply can have voltage drops or sudden spikes. These can damage pumps, chlorinators, and other pool equipment. To prevent this, we supply our pump room control boxes with built-in voltage protection. This helps protect your investment and keeps the system running safely even when the power supply is unstable.

Sakon SwimmingPool

Frequently Asked Questions About Swimming Pools in Thailand