One of the most important yet overlooked tasks in pool maintenance is cleaning the skimmer and pump baskets. These baskets prevent leaves, hair, insects and other debris from getting to the pump, but they do not clean themselves. Blocked skimmer or pump baskets can restrict the amount of water going into the pool, thereby decreasing the turnover rate for clean, filtered water in the pool. Over time, this may overwork the pump and cause the seals to fail.
In order for your pump to work at maximum efficiency, the skimmer and pump baskets need to be cleaned regularly (at least once per week). You should replace damaged baskets as soon as possible to prevent debris getting through and clogging the impeller, causing reduced water flow. Remember, a properly running pool pump will facilitate proper circulation of chemicals and leave you with a sparkling clear pool.
Follow the steps below at least once a week to clean both the skimmer and pump baskets:
• Turn off the pool pump.
• Remove the skimmer lid.
• Remove the skimmer basket and empty it out.
• Check for damage and wash it with a hose if necessary to remove material that is trapped in the basket.
• Put the basket back into the skimmer.
• Replace the skimmer lid and turn the system back on.
Pump Basket Essentials:
• Switch off the heater; allow water in the heater to cool down for 5-10 minutes before turning off the pool pump.
• Turn off the booster pump, if one is installed.
• If the pump is below the water line: turn off the skimmer and main drain valves.
• Remove the pump lid.
• Reach into the pump basket and remove as much debris as possible before removing the basket.
• Remove the basket; use a garden hose to clean the basket if needed; inspect basket for cracks and damage. Replace the pump basket if necessary
• Reinstall the pump basket. If you have a basket that twists into place, don’t over-tighten it.
• Put the lid back in place, and do not over tighten. If you have to tighten the lid to get the pump to prime, the o-ring might need replacement.
• Check the filter valve is in the “filter” position.
• Slowly open the main drain valve until it is fully open.
• Open the air relief valve on the pool filter.
• Use the filter air bleed valve to remove any trapped air.
• Turn on the pool pump and wait until it is primed.
• Open the remaining skimmer valves.
• Watch for a steady stream of water from the air relief valve, then close the valve.
MyPool.com is a leading supplier of pump baskets, skimmer baskets, pumps and related items from Hayward, American Products, Jacuzzi, Pac Fab, Sta-Rite and many others. Our extensive line of products includes parts for all your equipment and everything else you need to clean and maintain your pool. Contact us now for the best deals available on the web.
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 Keeping a swimming pool in good shape can prove to be challenging. Some people choose to have a professional pool company maintain their pool. This is often costly, but regardless of whether you have a pool professional maintain your pool or you choose to do it yourself, you should understand the basics. A well maintained pool is likely to cost you less money. A swimming pool cleaner will help improve the circulation of the pool as well as remove debris from the swimming pool. This allows chemicals to work more efficiently and keeps the pool free of debris such as leaves. All pool cleaners will require maintenance; at mypool.com we have parts for all major types of swimming pool cleaners. The list includes: Hayward Pool Cleaner Parts,
Keeping a swimming pool in good shape can prove to be challenging. Some people choose to have a professional pool company maintain their pool. This is often costly, but regardless of whether you have a pool professional maintain your pool or you choose to do it yourself, you should understand the basics. A well maintained pool is likely to cost you less money. A swimming pool cleaner will help improve the circulation of the pool as well as remove debris from the swimming pool. This allows chemicals to work more efficiently and keeps the pool free of debris such as leaves. All pool cleaners will require maintenance; at mypool.com we have parts for all major types of swimming pool cleaners. The list includes: Hayward Pool Cleaner Parts,  Preventing a pool problem caused by improper water chemistry can play a huge role in keeping pool maintenance costs down. “A good offense is the best defence”. Through the proper use Chemicals, including pH adjusters, sanitizers and chlorine stabilizers, you can prevent problems and keep costs down. Keeping the chlorine level at the proper range will reduce the need for more expensive chemicals such as algaecides. Keeping the pH in the proper range will keep the pool from being corrosive or scaling further reducing the need to replace sand and other components. The use of a chlorine stabilizer will reduce the dissipation of chlorine, further reducing your costs.
Preventing a pool problem caused by improper water chemistry can play a huge role in keeping pool maintenance costs down. “A good offense is the best defence”. Through the proper use Chemicals, including pH adjusters, sanitizers and chlorine stabilizers, you can prevent problems and keep costs down. Keeping the chlorine level at the proper range will reduce the need for more expensive chemicals such as algaecides. Keeping the pH in the proper range will keep the pool from being corrosive or scaling further reducing the need to replace sand and other components. The use of a chlorine stabilizer will reduce the dissipation of chlorine, further reducing your costs. The swimming pool filter system is an important part of the proper maintenance of your pool. Your swimming pool filter should be cleaned frequently; A dirty filter can reduce the chlorine level of the pool and reduce the flow of water going back to the pool. Sand Filters should be backwashed when the pressure increases 3-5 pounds. Remember to turn off the pump when cycling between filter, backwash, and rinse. Repeat this process 2-3 times for best results. DE filters require the DE powder to be removed and replaced. Typically this is done when the pressure increases 3-5 pounds. Periodically, the filter will require opening and cleaning of the actual grids that are used to hold the DE powder. Finally, Cartridge filters require removal of the cartridge from its housing, and, hosing down the cartridge with a strong jet of water. When the filter media deteriorates, replacing the swimming pool filter cartridge.
The swimming pool filter system is an important part of the proper maintenance of your pool. Your swimming pool filter should be cleaned frequently; A dirty filter can reduce the chlorine level of the pool and reduce the flow of water going back to the pool. Sand Filters should be backwashed when the pressure increases 3-5 pounds. Remember to turn off the pump when cycling between filter, backwash, and rinse. Repeat this process 2-3 times for best results. DE filters require the DE powder to be removed and replaced. Typically this is done when the pressure increases 3-5 pounds. Periodically, the filter will require opening and cleaning of the actual grids that are used to hold the DE powder. Finally, Cartridge filters require removal of the cartridge from its housing, and, hosing down the cartridge with a strong jet of water. When the filter media deteriorates, replacing the swimming pool filter cartridge. As a pool owner you must keep debris and other contaminants out of the pool. Make sure your skimmer weir is working properly and the
As a pool owner you must keep debris and other contaminants out of the pool. Make sure your skimmer weir is working properly and the 


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