MAINTENANCE
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
These pools should be properly maintained to ensure proper sanitation measures are taking place. If you’re looking for a worry-free option, we’re now offering a weekly or bi-weekly service package (Austin area only).
PLEASE NOTE, IF SOMETHING EVER DOESN’T LOOK OR SOUND RIGHT, UNPLUG THE PUMP.
BASIC MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS:
Circulation:
- Your pool comes with a high-performance above ground filter pump. We recommend that you run the filter pump 1-2 hours on and 1-2 hours off during the daytime. In warmer weather, you'll want the pump running more during the daytime than you have it off.
- Backwash or clean filter if pressure is above 10-15 psi
- Clean the skimmer & pump basket
- Keep jets facing circular and downward
- Fill your pool using a hose connected to a municipal water source. Keep your water level above the suction and return, especially when your pump is on an automatic timer, as the pump should not suck in air. You’ll need to backwash the air bubbles out if your pump has accidentally pumped in air.
Cleaning:
- Skim the surface daily.
- Cleaning the Cartridge Filter: Remove and clean off cartridge every few weeks, or when you notice your water flow is weaker than normal, or when the pressure gauge is 5-10psi higher than normal. Use a garden hose with spray nozzle to spray down the cartridge from top to bottom. You may purchase a curved cartridge cleaning tool that attaches to your hose. Do not use a pressure washer!
- Every so often, you may need to scrub your tank with a soft, non-abrasive brush or sponge to ensure that your Cowboy Pool is clean of algae and any slimy stuff.
- Vacuum as needed.
- Cleaning the pump basket regularly is important to the overall maintenance of your swimming pool. Clogged baskets make your pump have to work harder to try to cycle the water. This can decrease the life and stress the seals in your pump. Follow these steps:
- Unplug the pump.
- Push and turn the filter valve to closed.
- Insert the supplied plugs into the two suction fittings.
- Remove pump lid.
- Use a garden hose to wash the basket.
- Install pump basket lid and o-ring. Do not over-tighten.
- Make sure filter valve is in the "filter" position.
- Plug pump back in to power.
Chemistry:
- Only use the minimum amount of chlorine needed to keep your pool clean, about 1-2 x 1-inch tablets per week, less in colder months. DO NOT put your chlorine tablets directly in the pool! Place them in a chlorine floater and keep it all the way closed to release the chlorine slowly through the holes in the bottom.
- Supplement the chlorine tablets with 1-3 cups of liquid chlorine each week (dependant on heat, sunshine and usage), pour in while your pump is on and water is flowing and keep water circulating for at least 45 minutes. DO NOT USE a powedered "Pool Shock" unless it is actually only liquid chlorine. Pool stores may try to convince you to purchase powedered pool shock for your pool, but store clerks generally do not understand the conservative maintenance required for a stock tank pool.
- In cooler months, you're going to need to use less chlorine in your pool. We recommend about one tab per week or less when it cools down. You’ll notice the chlorine won’t dissolve as quickly as it did in warm weather.
- DO NOT mix chlorine and bromine in water. This can cause a dangerous chemical reaction. If you’re going to switch from one to the other at any point, you’ll need to drain and clean your tank, and do a line flush.
- Backwashing: After a period of time, dirt accumulates in the sand filter which causes resistance to flow and which makes it necessary to backwash the filter. Conditions for backwashing (only for sand filters):
TROUBLESHOOTING:
- If your pool starts looking a little cloudy or green, it may mean but doesn't necessarily mean you don't have enough chlorine. Too many chlorine tablets can harm your tank and doesn't always help your water. Here are some maintenance steps to keep your pool clear in such a situation:
- If you have a sand filter, backwash your pool. See detailed instructions and video below.
- Add fresh water to your pool.
- You may need to add between 1-2 cups of liquid chlorine to a cloudy pool and add about a 1/4 a gallon to a green or brown pool when the pump is running. Liquid chlorine reacts differently with the water than chlorine tablets do, and will help clear up your pool.
- Draining: We recommend draining and refilling your pool once or twice per year to get a fresh start to your pool water. To drain your pool, unplug your drain using pliers to unscrew the drain plug. Use a shop-vac, a sump pump or siphon water with a garden hose to get any remaining water out. We do not recommend draining your pool and leaving your tank vulnerable to rain and debris, as oxidation can occur.
- Winterizing: We recommend keeping your pool filled with water and having the water pumping throughout the year in warmer climates. Surprisingly, keeping water in the pool at all times minimizes the chance of rust. This is unless a freeze lasting over 48 hours is expected and then you may follow the instructions in our Winterizing section.
- When the temperature drops below freezing, or when there is a freeze warning, switch your timer to “On” so that the pool is programed to circulate until the temperature rises. For added freeze protection, cover your hoses and filter pump with a blanket. See freeze instructions with your filter pump and Camplux heater handout.
- Changing the sand in your sand filter is recommended about every 4-5 years, or when your sand has worn out and fails to capture contaminants from your pool. You’ll need to replace with 40 lbs of filter sand (about $20).