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Maintenance & Care

Kayak Pools Midwest offers basic swimming pool maintenance and care for Kayak Pools.

Below you will find a few of the most commonly asked questions from homeowners about your above ground pool and its swimming pool care. If you have any other questions, please contact Kayak Pools Midwest.

• What Is A Virtually Maintenance-Free Pool?
• How Do I Open My Kayak Pool?
• How Do I Winterize My Pool?
• What Is The Proper Water Level My Kayak Pool® Should Maintain?
• How To Add Pool Chemicals
• Water Chemistry Guidelines
• Pool Chemistry

Basic Pool Care Section

What Is A Virtually Maintenance-Free Pool? Kayak Pools are basically maintenance free. We offer a three-way filtration system with two main bottom drains that filters sediment from the bottom of the pool and a side drain or skimmer for floating debris.

Water Chemistry Procedures

Today, there are several types of sanitizers available for the homeowner to maintain clean, clear pool water. While chlorine remains the most common, recent advancements in technology have increased the use of alternate sanitizers such as mineral, ozone and salt generators. The following information will focus on chlorine use and the chemical system we provide to help with your swimming pool care with your new above ground pool.

A good understanding of water chemistry will help you effectively maintain your pool. A pH count that is too low or too high, as well as the presence of algae, suspended dirt, or various minerals in your water, can severely affect its quality. It is a common fallacy among pool owners that the use of chlorine can correct any water problem. In reality, it may take several different pool chemicals to insure that your family will enjoy clean, healthy swimming pool water every day for the entire season.

There are many advantages to buying Premium Quality Chemicals. They will do the job more efficiently, will not harm valuable pool parts, and in the long run, will save you money on your swimming pool maintenance. Not only are they specifically designed to maintain your water chemistry at a level appropriate for your pool, but they are also safe to handle and use and will keep their original strength during storage. All Premium Quality Chemical chlorine products are stabilized, which means that they will remain in your pool far longer than non-stabilized products. Since many chlorine products on the market today are not stabilized, you should check the label before you buy. Also, Calcium Hypochlorite products can harm your pool liner, metal parts, and filter.

While control of water chemistry is relatively easy, many people rely far too much on chlorine to do the entire job. If the water pH is unstable, the use of pH products (increaser or decreaser) can bring it to the proper level. (7.2 - 7.6) and significantly reduce the amount of chlorine and the number of dosages necessary to maintain water clarity. Suspended dirt or dead algae can be remedied by using Premium Quality Water Clarifiers. Vinyl treatment will clean your vinyl liner without clouding or creating suds. It is also safe for pool parts and will extend the life of your liner. Mineral remover can clear up cloudy water or discolored water by removing excess mineral deposits.

You can purchase your Premium Quality Chemicals from a local retail supplier or through our Kayak Pools Parts & Service Department at 1.800.382.7946.

How to Add Pool Chemicals

In general, chlorine and other swimming pool chemicals should be added directly to the pool water with the filter running. Chlorine should be added late in the evening while the filter is operating so the sun will not reduce the effectiveness of this product. Liquid pool chemicals should be added directly to your swimming pool water.

WARNING:
• NEVER mix chemicals - add them to the pool separately
• ALWAYS add chemicals to water - not water to chemicals
• NEVER add chlorine products in your skimmer if using an automatic chemical feeder

When handling and adding pool chemicals, always read the instructions carefully and follow the manufacturer's directions.

• Always make sure your pool has adequate circulation. The pool water must circulate through the pump and filter at least 1 - 2 times per day. This usually requires 6 - 8 hours.
• Before beginning with any swimming pool maintenance program, you must test your pool water.
• If your pool water tests high in metals, you may need to shock the pool and clean the filter.
• After your pool is up and running you need to continue to test your water on a weekly basis.
• Check the pool filter gauge often and clean the filter periodically. A dirty filter will slow the flow of water which could create improper water circulation.

What is the Proper Water Level?

The water level of your above ground pool should be maintained at one inch below the top of the opening in the skimmer. The skimmer operates best at this level. Too much water cuts down on the skimming action, while too little water allows air into the system causing water flow to drop or the pump to lose its prime. Please refer to your swimming pool care homeowner's manual for a diagram that clearly demonstrates this principle.

How Do I Open My Kayak Pool?

For a lot of people, opening their pool is the year’s favorite ritual. For others, not so much. We hope these tips will help you make the most out of opening your pool – safely, conveniently and enjoyably!

1. Remove the leaves and water from the cover. Use a skimmer net first to remove solid material and a submersible pump for standing snowmelt/rainwater.
2. After the cover is off the pool clean it, let it dry, and store it in a dry place. A coating of baby powder can help prevent mildew. Reconnect your circulation system according to manufacturer’s instructions. Never run your system without water as this can cause serious damage and void your warranty.
3. Skim off any solid materials that may have fallen into the swimming pool. This will help keep your drains and your circulation system clear during initial start up.
4. If you have an Aquador and 1 1⁄2” plug, remove at this time.
5. Before starting your circulation system, make sure that your water level is high enough. To get a precise level consult your Kayak Pool owners care manual.
6. After you water level is high enough turn on your circulation system to begin circulating the water. Once again make sure you do not run your system without water.
7. After circulating your water for 3-4 hours, test the water. The two chemicals that are the most important to get balanced first are the chlorine and the PH.
8. After you balance your chemicals, let your system run for an additional 3-4 hours and then test the water again. If all the chemicals are balanced you can now go swimming.

Helpful Tips:

1. If you are having trouble with green water, it could be one of two problems metals or algae. Have your water tested for metals such as copper, iron, etc, if that’s the problem you would need to use metal out. If algae is the problem, you would need to add the proper algaecide to your pool.
2. Closing your pool late and opening the pool early will help prevent algae. When the pool is closed the water is not circulating which means if the temperature is warm algae may form under the cover. By doing this there is less of a chance of there being warm days with the pool covered thus preventing algae.
3. CAUTION: When adding pool chemicals never mix chemicals. If chemicals come in contact with skin, flush with water immediately. Refer to chemical container for correct application and safety procedures. Do not add chemicals through the skimmer. Continue to run pool filter to thoroughly dissolve chemicals.

Source: poolsinc.com

How Do I Go About Winterizing My Above Ground Pool?

To begin winterizing your above ground pool, follow these simple maintenance steps. Start with clean, clear water (vacuum if necessary. Make sure there are no leaks in your Kayak pool's liner! Directions are for sand and cartridge filters only.

Lowering the Water Level (Skip if you have the Aquador & Plug)

• Turn off the pump.
• Turn the handle on the ball valve to the bottom drain 'open' position.
• Set multi-port valve on filter to the waste position (sand filter only).
• Remove the drain plug from the filter and install into the return from the inside of the pool.
• Attach a waste hose to the drain fitting on the filter so water will drain away from the pool. (Recommended) The pool does not come with the waste hose for drainage.
• Turn on the pool pump and run until the water level is below the return.
• For additional information, refer to your swimming pool care owner's manual.

Pool Preparation

• Remove in-pool ladder by loosening the set screws in the ladder flanges (cups on deck).
• Remove the jet-air fitting, fountain, eye ball or anything screwed into the pool return (where applicable).
• Remove skimmer basket.
• Clean vinyl with Tile & Vinyl Cleaner.

Add Winterizing Pool Chemicals

• CAUTION: When adding pool chemicals never mix chemicals. If chemicals come in contact with skin, flush with water immediately. Refer to chemical container for correct application and safety procedures. Do not add chemicals through the skimmer.Continue to run pool filter to thoroughly dissolve chemicals.
• Add winter chemicals. Usually shock and winter algaecide.
• Continue to run pool filter to thoroughly dissolve chemicals for 6-8 hours.
• To winterize the above-ground pool pump and filter, follow the manufacturers instruction in their manual. Never allow moisture to freeze in the pool pump or pool filter. Make sure all the water is drained from the pump, filter and Frog.
• If you have an Aquador and 1 ½” plug, install at this time.
• Secure the hose that comes from the floor drain to a deck support so that it points upward and the end is higher than the water level. Do not cap this line.
• Disconnect the hose from the ball valve to skimmer and return hose and let hang. All the water should drain from these lines.
• Pools with the dual bottom drains: Do not cap the pvc atmosphere relief tube.
• Disconnect the ball valve from the pool pump and store inside.
• You may store your pump, filter and Frog unit inside.
• Install your winter cover. Follow the instructions in your manual. Make sure the winter cover is tied down with a criss-cross line as shown in your maintenance manual.

How Do I Install My Above Ground Winter Pool Cover?

To install your winter pool cover, follow these simple instructions.

• Place the box containing the above ground winter pool cover at either end of the pool. Open the box and place the cover on the deck along with the Vinyl Edging. Roll the cover out - leaving equal amounts of the pool cover on both sides of the swimming pool.
• Using two people on opposite sides of the cover, take the leading edge of the cover in hand and pull it tightly between you. Walk the cover to the opposite end of the pool - being careful not to dip the leading edge in the water or catch it on any protruding objects.
• Allow the cover to lay on the deck, with the remainder draped into and across the pool where it is supported by the underlying water. Secure the cover by placing water sleeves all the way around the cover where it overlaps on the deck. Be sure there are no gaps that will allow the wind underneath the cover that might tear the cover.
• Be sure that the cover is draped loosely enough that it lies against the walls and then across the top of the water. DO NOT use the grommets to tie the cover tightly. This will result in tears in the covers. The cover should be secured by water bags (or other weight) that are laid on top of the cover where it overlaps the deck. KEEP THE COVER FREE OF SNOW BUILD-UP AND PUMP OFF EXCESS WATER. This will prevent possible ice damage to the liner.

How Do I Reopen My Kayak Pool®?

Removing your Winter Pool Cover

• Prepare the cover for removal by clearing off all debris and water using a leaf skimmer and cover pump.
• If water sleeves were used, they should be drained and removed. Remove any tie-down ropes.
• Remove the cover, clean, dry and store it for next season.

How Do I Winterize My Above Ground Pool Pump & Filter?

Refer to the instructions in your swimming pool care owner's manual, provided by the manufacturer.

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