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pump works in conjunction with other necesary pool maintanence
First of all, this "toy" does not exhibit a "fun" value, nor does it have an "educational" value, but I couldn't post this review without giving it a star rating...LOL.
I have this pump that came with my easy-set, metal-frame pool. It works great, but not without other regular maintanence tasks that is required to keep your pool clean and healthy. Sounds like the previous reviewers expect the filter to work on its own, continuously, like with an in-ground pool. This is not the case.
As for the one previous reviewer that says it doesn't filter sediment, that's because you need to use the vacuum. The vacuum (at least with my pool) had a separate canister, whereby you insert a tighly-woven mesh bag, and connect the hoses to the filter and vacuum the pool bottom. I do this every 2-3 days, depending on pool usage. Plus, it's very helpful to have a tub of clean water for pool users to rinse their feet before climbing the ladder to enter the pool. This had cut down the sediment problem immensely.
At any rate, after a thorough vacuuming of the pool bottom, I find that the mesh bag is loaded with sediment and other stuff. After vacuuming, I switch the vacuum canister with the skimmer piece and let the filter run 6-8 hours (overnight works well for me).
Another problem that may inhibit the filter's function for the previous reviewers is you cannot leave the filter connected to the pool hoses 24/7. The filter cartridge stays submerged and will eventually mold - greatly reducing the filtering rate and getting yucky water slowly filtering back into the pool when you do turn the filter pump on. This happened with another friend of mine and once he started disconnecting hoses and changing the canisters more frequently, the problem stopped.
You need to close the plunger valves, disconnect the hose from the filter (I leave the other end attached to the plungers)and open the side valve on the filter to fully drain the water. From there, I check the status of the filter cartridge -- sometimes it can last 2-3 filtering runs (when I leave it on over night) and other times, it needs immediate replacing. During heavy usage months, I go through a least 1-2 cartridges a week.
Also, by disconnecting the hose from the filter itself, you can check the outside connection point. Sometimes I find grass blades (that slithered through the skimmer) trapped and blocking the intake point to the filter. However, this is rare. I also put chlorine shock through my skimmer, while the filter is on, once a week. This helps to keep the filter mechanisms cleaned, too.
Having a pool is lots of fun for my family and their friends, that come over...but, with the fun, comes responsibility. Maintaining proper PH/chlorine levels is an absolute must. High PH reading with not only affect the clarity of your water and the comfort of your swimmers, but the acidic reading (PH 7.8 and higher) will wear out the filter as the acid water goes through.
Invest in a 3-way pool kit (about $10) and check the PH and chlorine daily. This will help prolong the life of your pool and the filter. Once the pool is stabilized (the PH and Chlorine levels are harmonized), this routine maintanence doesn't take long. Frequent and proper filtering, vacuuming, chlorine (some people use the floating duck to slowly dissolve chlorine daily...for me, I do a weekly shock treatment instead without problems) will keep everyone happy.
If you are not diligent with the pool upkeep, then you will have problems with algae, etc... and will end up wasting water from having to drain it and start over. Good luck!
[Friday, August 03, 2007]
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Does NOT fit the older INTEX pools!!
