Swimming Pool Maintenance Resources
Throughout my years of learning about swimming pool maintenance, I have come across several services available to help one better understand how to properly maintain their swimming pool. One resource I have found to be particularly useful is the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF). The NSPF is the result of the boom in the growth of the pool, spa, and aquatics industry in the U.S. following World War II. During the time, public aquatics facilities in the U.S. needed the experience of those in the field, combined with technical research, to fill knowledge gaps to ensure the safety of the public. In the 1980’s, the NSPF Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CTO) certification program was launched. Over the past 30 years, hundreds of the NSPF’s certified instructors have trained over 350,000 students from 86 countries. They have an annual enrollment of about 25,000 students.
One great feature that the NSPF offers on their website is a swimming pool resource page which provides a wealth of information. Included in this information are the various swimming pool codes for your country, state, and local areas. You are able to find information regarding the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) that the Center for Disease Control has finally completed. The purpose of the MAHC is to provide a universal guideline for state and local agencies as well as best practices for preventing disease and injuries, and promoting health recreational water experiences. The CDC has included guidelines for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of swimming pools and other disinfected water facilities.
Regardless of the MAHC targeting non-residential swimming pools, the best practices for commercial swimming pools apply for ANY swimming pool. Below is a sample of the guidelines from the MAHC as it pertains to cleaning cartridge filters:
· The cartridge shall be rinsed to remove as much dirt and debris as possible by washing inside and out with a garden hose and spray nozzle.
· A pressure washer shall not be used to backwash cartridge filters.
· Cartridge filters shall be degreased each time they are cleaned per the procedures outlined in this section.
· Soak the cartridge overnight in one of the following solutions:
o Filter cleaner/degreaser, or
o A solution of water with 1 Cup of tri-sodium phosphate (TSP), or
o 1 Cup of automatic dishwashing detergent per 5 gallons of water.
· Muriatic acid or products with acid in them shall never be used prior to degreasing.
· To remove or prevent biofilms, algae, and bacteria growing on the cartridge, 1 quart of household bleach shall be added to the degreasing solution and soak on hour before rinsing.
· The clean cartridge shall be removed from the soak water and rinsed thoroughly with a hose.
· After the filter is cleaned and degreased, it shall be allowed to dry completely before being reintroduced to the pool.
· One full set of spare cartridges shall be maintained on site in a clean and dry condition.
This should aid in resolving the continual debate of how to best clean a pool cartridge filter. Your pool is a fun, inviting place to be and entertain family and friends. It’s not very difficult to keep it that way. If this procedure is recommended by the CDC for use by public pools, it should definitely be a quality procedure for your pool.
If you need any pool equipment for your pool or have any questions visit us at All Pool Filters 4 Less.
