Derek's opinion!
Send us a question and we'll make sure everyone knows the answer
Why should I fibreglass line my pool?
Unlike other resurfacing methods that require constant upkeep—such as acid washing, re-plastering, or painting—Fibreglass Lining provides a permanent fix that outlasts and outperforms them all. This durable surface will save you time, money, and hassle for years to come, giving you peace of mind knowing your pool is always in top condition.
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Not only does Fibreglass Lining enhance the look and feel of your pool, it also increases its efficiency. The smooth, water resistant barrier minimises cracks and leaks, keeping water loss to a minimum and reducing the need for excessive chemicals. Plus, its insulating properties help retain heat, keeping your pool warmer for longer and extending your swimming season by up to 10%. This makes for a more enjoyable, cost-effective experience in the water.
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Lastly, Fibreglass Lining is incredibly easy to maintain and clean. Its smooth surface resists algae and stains, eliminating the need for constant scrubbing or wire-brushing. Swimmers will love its smooth finish, which reduces the risk of abrasions and enhances comfort. With professional installation by Derek and his team , you’ll have a stunning, low-maintenance pool that performs beautifully year-round.
For how many hours should my filter run?
Many pool owners use a timer to schedule their filter system’s operation throughout the day. While running the filter 24/7 is ideal for keeping the water sparkling clean and clear, running it for at least 12 hours a day will still do the trick. If you’re opting for the 12-hour plan, it’s best to run the system during daylight hours. And remember, it’s important to keep the filter running continuously for those 12 hours—frequent starts and stops can put unnecessary strain on the motor, potentially leading to costly repairs down the line.
Why is filtration & circulation important?
Good circulation and filtration are key to keeping your pool water clear and clean. If the water is cloudy, poor filtration or circulation could be the culprit.
Filter Maintenance:
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Sand Filters: Backwash when pressure rises 8-10 psi above the initial reading.
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Cartridge Filters: Clean according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Water Circulation:
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Ensure all equipment is working and in place.
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Run the pump and filter 10-12 hours a day (or longer).
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Clean the filter with HTH® Filter Cleaner at least twice a season.
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Position return inlets at a 45-degree angle, slightly to one side.
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Don’t forget to clean skimmer baskets and the hair and lint strainer on the pump!
How do I detect a leak?
It's common for pool water levels to drop slightly. While a leak is possible, other factors should be considered first.​
If a leak is suspected, operate the pool for a few days and monitor the water level to confirm and measure the loss.
Leak Detection Questions:
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What type of pool do you have (vinyl, concrete, plaster, fiberglass)?
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How much water is the pool losing daily?
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Is there visible water around the filter?
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Does the pool lose more water with the pump on or off?
Testing for Leaks:
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Monitor water level for 12 hours with the pump on, then 12 hours with the pump off.
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If the pool loses more water with the pump on, the leak is likely in a pressure line (return or jet line).
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If more water is lost with the pump off, the leak is likely in a suction line (skimmer, vacuum, or bottom drain).
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If the water loss is the same, the leak is likely in the pool shell or liner.
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Was the pool covered with a solar blanket during water loss?
How do I eliminate air bubbles in the basket?
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Make sure pool water is at proper operating level (mid-skimmer).
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Check to make sure skimmer weir(s) is/are not stuck.
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Make sure pump strainer lid and gasket are sealed properly.
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Clean all debris from strainer basket.
How do I fix a lower than normal flow rate?
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Check and clean skimmer baskets (poolside).
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Check filter pressure - if 8 p.s.i. above normal - backwash filter.
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Check pump strainer basket and clean as necessary.
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Check pump impeller and remove any debris.
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Re-prime pump - fill pump basket with water before re-starting.
Why does my vacuum lack suction?
The vacuum hose isn't primed (it needs to be full of water to create suction).
The filter is dirty, which can restrict suction (consider backwashing if needed).
The baskets are clogged, limiting water flow.​
Why does my pool smell strongly of chlorine?
Many pool owners mistakenly believe that strong chlorine odor and eye irritation are caused by high chlorine levels. In reality, it's usually due to combined chlorine, or chloramines, formed when chlorine reacts with ammonia from sweat or other sources. Chloramines aren't effective sanitizers and cause the unpleasant odor and irritation. The solution? Shock the pool with a quick-release, non-stabilized chlorine to eliminate the chloramines. Adding more free chlorine will actually fix the issue, not make it worse!
Can I use stabilised chlorine tablets or granules?
If you use 7.5cm stabilized chlorine tablets (tri-chlor tablets) or stabilized granular chlorine (dichlor granular), you will be adding stabilizer to the pool every time that you add chlorine. The stabilizer (cyanuric acid) level limits the effectiveness of your chlorine when it reaches a level of 100 p.p.m. or more. This level should be checked at least once a month if you use either of the chlorine types listed above. If shocking (boosting the chlorine level quickly) is necessary, we recommend using a non-stabilized chlorine such as calcium hypochlorite.
Heating your pool
To efficiently keep your pool heated year-round, a combination of a solar pool cover and a rooftop solar heating system using PVC pipes is highly effective. A solar cover plays a dual role: it captures the sun’s rays to naturally warm the water during the day and helps retain that heat during colder evenings, reducing temperature loss. During winter months, a durable winter cover becomes essential—not only for minimizing heat loss in extreme conditions but also for keeping out debris such as leaves and dust, which helps maintain water quality. Complementing this, a solar heating system using black PVC pipes installed on the roof circulates pool water through sun-heated pipes, further raising the pool’s temperature using renewable energy. Together, these systems significantly extend the swimming season while keeping energy costs low.
Installations
DK Pools offers professional installation of a wide range of pool equipment to meet your specific needs. Whether you require a saltwater or liquid chlorine chlorinator, high-quality pumps, efficient sand filters, or complete solar heating systems, DK Pools has you covered. We also supply and install both solar and winter pool covers to help maintain water temperature and cleanliness throughout the year. With expert service and reliable products, DK Pools ensures your pool remains in top condition—clean, heated, and ready to enjoy.