How to make your pool sparkle

How do you clear cloudy pool water and make it sparkle? There are a few things that all work together to keep your water crystal clear including your water chemistry & filtration times.

Here are our top tips to keep your pool water sparkling!

Check your Water level

If it’s dropped below the middle of your skimmer box, give it a top-up with the hose. Filling it halfway up your skimmer will allow for proper circulation, which helps your filter remove impurities from the water!

quick Filter checkup

Getting sparkling pool water all season can be as easy as making sure your filtration system is operating and continues to run at its peak. An average pool should run for 6-8 hours per day in the summer, the pool filter works continuously to remove debris, contaminants, and other impurities from the water.

Similar to a vacuum cleaner after a while the build-up of waste in your filter will affect the flow. Poor flow results in poor circulation, which can then lead to cloudy water and algae outbreaks!

In preparation for summer, give your filter a checkup. This involves removing any hidden debris build-up and then giving it a clean with the recommended method for your filtration system.

If you have a sand filter, you’ll need to backwash your filter to flush out contaminants. During the swimming season, we recommend backwashing a sand or Activated Filter Media® (AFM) filter when the pressure gauge reads 10 psi above the normal operating level. Sand should be replaced every five years. AFM®, however, is expected to last the lifetime of your filter!

If you have a cartridge filter, remove the cartridges and check every few weeks and hose them down when necessary... you'll need to replace the cartridges every two to three years.

After giving your filter a thorough clean, we suggest adding a dose of BioGuard Filter Brite®. It will remove any remaining scale or waste deposits while also sanitising the filter media or cartridge. This product is suitable for all filtration systems and can also be used when you give your filter its annual deep clean.

Every filtration system is slightly different. If you need any assistance with your filter maintenance, give us a call or use the button below to request a service!

Test your water

Now that you’ve rejuvenated your filter, the next thing to tick off your list is water balance! We can test your pool or spa water using state-of-the-art computerised equipment to make sure you get the right balance. Once we've tested the water we can advise you on you'll need to correct any chemical imbalances.

We then recommend testing your water every week at home and in-store with us once a month. Staying on top of your water balance is the secret to saving money and achieving sparkling water all Summer!

This way we'll be able to keep your water safe, prevent damage to your surfaces and equipment, and allows your pool products to work most efficiently!

3-Step Program Kit

Tailored just for you, the 3-Step Program Kit will contain the following:

1. A sanitiser for healthy water

2. An oxidiser for sparkling water

3. An algaecide for clean water

Getting the sparkle

Now let's get that extra sparkle!

An oxidiser is a product that works to remove and destroy swimmer wastes and organic contaminants in your water, keeping it crystal clear! We suggest BioGuard Lite® as an easy-to-use oxidiser that allows swimmers back in the water an hour after treatment.

If you're ready to take your pool water to the next level, you can also add a weekly dose of BioGuard Pool Complete™. It’s the final touch for any pool maintenance as its 3-in-1 formula keeps water super clear, prevents scum line build-up, and removes phosphates.

If you follow these simple steps, your pool water will sparkle all season!

Got questions?… Call us on (03) 9769 3252

Pool Filter - Glass Media

Pool Filters have evolved significantly over the last 20 years. The move toward glass media filters and away from sand or zeolite media, cartridge filters and DE or Diatomaceous Earth filters which are labour intensive, have too many wearing parts and can be expensive to repair.

Cartridge filters require at least monthly cleaning. DE filters required monthly backwashing, and recharging of the DE powder inside the filter. Then the DE filter required quarterly stripping and cleaning of the filter.

Today we estimate 90% of pools are filtered by media filters.

Now, the sand filter has seen another makeover that has improved the quality and clarity of the water you swim in. Glass offers a much finer filtration, which relates directly to clearer water.

Regular questions from customers are "Why should I change to a media filter?" and if they already have a sand filter "Why should I upgrade to the glass media?"

"Why should I change to a media filter?"

It's much less effort...

Media filters require much less maintenance than the other filter types. These filters only require backwashing. This procedure takes at the very most just five minutes and is usually only done every two to three months.

It's more economical...

The initial outlay is more expensive than a cartridge filter however, the ongoing costs are minimal. Doing your research and buying a reputable brand from an authorised pool store is your best course of action. By buying from a pool shop, you will get the right filter for your pool size, pump size and the option of media as well as the full manufacturer’s warranty!

Improved warranty and material durability...

Most filter tanks come with a manufacturer’s warranty of 10 years. The media is also good for the life of the filter, though this depends greatly on water quality and debris that enters the pool over the years.

Our Suggestions…

We supply and install Astral Filters. They're manufactured in Melbourne and are at the forefront of industry technology with over 40 years of experience.

Astral Pools CA Media Filter range provides the best value for money filter range which is designed for tough Australian conditions.

Astral Pools FG Media Filter has been designed to provide high-performance filtration for residential and small commercial pools.

When used in conjunction with Activated Filter Media (AFM®) you're water will never have looked so crystal clear.

View fullsize

Click to enlarge

AFM ng offers superior filtration (200% better than sand) and prevents the transmission of bacteria.

• Made from pure selected glass which is safe to touch, and won’t cut you.

• Exposed to a patented 3-step activation process which makes the glass self-sterilising to prevent transmission of pathogens.

• Developed by Marine Biologists who specialise in Aquarium and Water Treatment systems.

• AFM ng prevents the formation of harmful chlorine trichloramines, so your customers can breathe easy.

• With a certified 1-micron filtration rate (that is incredibly small!!), AFM ng is certified to surpass the performance of any sand or other glass filter media to provide exceptional water clarity.

"Why should I upgrade to the glass media?"

Quality...

Glass filter media will provide the finest filtering media available. Providing you with clearer, healthier pool water.

Environment...

Glass is non-porous, self-sterilising and can trap 30% more bacteria and organic material so it cannot flourish or grow within the filter. Backwashing will be required less often and when you do it will be more efficient, using less water.

Increases your options for healthier water...

Having glass media in your filter allows you the luxury to choose a mineral pool over a salt pool. Mineral-laden water is far healthier for you and the environment. Read more about the benefits of a mineral pool here.

Final thoughts...

If you want to reduce your pool filter maintenance and have minimal ongoing costs, install a media filter. If the media filter decision has already been made, then why not experience the clearest pool water available and choose glass?

Glass pool filter media is the clear winner.