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1. Use a fresh test kit and follow its sampling instructions. Keep a record of free chlorine and pH, plus other readings your kit supports.
2. For residential pools, CDC recommends pH 7.0–7.8 and at least 1 ppm free chlorine, or at least 2 ppm when cyanuric acid or stabilized chlorine is used. Test chlorine and pH at least twice a day, and more often during heavy use.
3. Bring a sample and your readings to Rainbow Pools for help with alkalinity, stabilizer, calcium, salt, and product selection. Follow your pool surface and equipment requirements.
4. Use the chemical label for dosage, application, circulation, and the time to wait before swimming. Test again before reopening the pool.

Never mix pool chemicals or add them together. Keep products in their original labeled containers.

1. Keep everyone out if water is cloudy enough to hide the bottom or you cannot confirm safe water conditions.
2. Test the water and record the readings. Check water level, visible debris, normal circulation, and filter pressure.
3. Skim and brush with tools approved for your pool surface. Clean baskets and service the filter according to its manual.
4. Ask our team to review your readings and pool volume before choosing a treatment. Retest after treatment and confirm clear water and proper sanitizer before swimming.

A photo, water sample, and current readings help us give you a better next step.

1. Use a vacuum head and brush suitable for your liner or fiberglass surface. Attach the head, pole, and hose.
2. With the pump off, fill the hose completely with water and connect the approved skimmer vacuum plate or fitting following your system instructions. Keep swimmers out and suction fittings protected.
3. Restart circulation when the connection is secure. Move slowly across the floor in overlapping passes.
4. If suction drops, stop the pump before inspecting or clearing equipment. Disconnect as directed, restore normal operation, and check the filter.

Use the FILTER setting for ordinary debris. Vacuum-to-waste depends on your valve and water level; ask us before using it.

1. Backwash when your filter manual recommends it based on pressure rise or reduced flow—not automatically on a weekly schedule.
2. Switch the pump off. Route the waste hose to a suitable drainage area, then move the multiport valve to BACKWASH.
3. Run the pump for the time or sight-glass clarity specified in your manual. Watch the pool water level. Switch the pump off.
4. Select RINSE and run for the manual’s specified duration. Turn the pump off again, select FILTER, restart, and record normal pressure.

Never move the multiport handle while the pump is running. This guide is for sand filters with a compatible multiport valve.

1. Find the model number on the filter label and identify its type. Photograph the label if you are unsure.
2. For any service, switch off the pump and isolate its power as the manual requires. Release pressure using the manufacturer’s procedure before opening the filter.
3. Cartridge elements are normally removed and rinsed according to their manual; they are not backwashed like a sand filter.
4. D.E. filters require model-specific cleaning and the correct recharge amount. Ask us to identify the filter and procedure.

Never open a pressurized filter or loosen its clamp while the pump is running.

1. Test free chlorine and pH regularly. Salt systems generate chlorine; they do not replace water testing.
2. Check the controller for flow, salt, temperature, or cell messages. Note the exact message and model.
3. Verify salt with an independent test before adding more. Use the range for your exact system and cell.
4. Adjust output and run time in line with your model instructions and measured chlorine demand. Recheck readings after changes.

A low-salt message can have several causes. Confirm the reading before adding salt.

1. Identify the controller and cell model, then follow the manual’s shutdown and removal procedure.
2. Inspect for deposits. Use the rinsing method allowed by the manufacturer; avoid damaging the coated plates.
3. If deposits remain, consult the exact cell instructions or bring the cell to our team. Cleaning products, strength, and exposure time vary.
4. Reinstall as instructed, check for leaks, and confirm normal operation and water readings.

Do not use a generic acid recipe or routine acid-cleaning schedule. Unnecessary cleaning can shorten cell life.

1. Find the pump model and keep a photo of its current schedule before making changes.
2. Your filter, heater, salt system, and water features each need adequate flow. A lower speed must still meet their requirements.
3. Use the model manual to set speeds, start times, and durations. Change one setting at a time and check normal circulation.
4. Record water clarity, sanitizer readings, and any flow messages. Ask our team to help tune a schedule for your equipment.

There is no single speed or run time that fits every pool. Never bypass flow switches or other protection devices.

1. Write down the exact model, displayed code, and when the issue started.
2. Check normal water level, baskets, filter condition, and circulation without opening equipment panels.
3. Confirm the selected operating mode and temperature using your owner’s manual. Heating and cooling modes depend on the model.
4. Send the model-label photo and code to our team. Leave gas, electrical, refrigerant, and internal repairs to qualified service personnel.

If you smell gas, leave the area and contact the gas supplier or emergency services from a safe location. Do not operate switches.

1. Use liner-safe tools and cleaners. Brush carefully around seams, steps, and the waterline.
2. Maintain balanced water and apply chemicals exactly as the label and liner manufacturer direct. Avoid concentrated products sitting on the liner.
3. Photograph wrinkles, faded areas, tears, or unexplained water loss, and note when you first noticed them.
4. Contact Rainbow Pools to assess the liner and replacement options. We can help you choose a fresh pattern and arrange measurement.

Do not drain the pool or pull the liner out of its track yourself. Draining can damage the liner or pool structure.

1. Follow your cover manufacturer’s water-level and cover-pump instructions. Remove standing rainwater before operating the cover as directed.
2. Keep people, objects, and debris away from the moving cover and tracks. Operate only while you can watch the entire pool.
3. If the cover travels unevenly, binds, or makes an unusual noise, release the control and stop. Do not force it.
4. Photograph worn fabric, seams, tracks, and the system label. Ask our team about fabric replacement or service.

Never walk on the cover, bypass controls, or adjust cables and tension yourself. A cover does not replace supervision.

1. Book your opening or closing ahead of the season. Share pool type, cover type, and any equipment changes.
2. Tell us about leaks, damage, error messages, and anything unusual since the last service. Photos are useful.
3. Provide clear access to the pool and equipment, secure pets, and ask our team what water level and utilities are needed for your appointment.
4. Confirm the service scope and what to do afterward. Winterization and restart procedures depend on your equipment and cover.

Do not drain a fiberglass or vinyl pool for seasonal care without professional direction.