New Pool Owner Guide

Thank You forChoosingDoverPools!

Welcome to the world of above-ground pool ownership, where the sun reflects on the water’s surface, laughter and the sound of water splashing echoes in the air, and relaxation becomes a daily ritual in your own backyard oasis. Congratulations on choosing the perfect addition to your home – an above-ground pool from Dover Pools! Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or upgrading to a new experience, we are here to help make pool care fun and easy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Dover Pools location and reference this guide whenever needed.

Components of Your Pool

Pool Wall  : The pool wall is part of the frame and can be made of metal or resin. It gives the pool its height and shape.

Pool Frame: The frame provides the structural support for the pool and is usually made of metal or resin. It forms the basic skeleton to which the pool liner is attached. The pool frame consists of:

Uprights  : The posts around the outside of the pool wall that supports the pool wall and ledges.

Bottom track  : Forms the bottom rim of the above ground pool. The pool wall is fitted into a groove to form the shape of your pool.

Bottom plates  : These sit at the bottom of each upright, connecting the uprights to the bottom track.

Top plates  : Are at the top of each upright, connecting the upright to the ledge of your pool.

Top Ledge  : This is the top ledge of the swimming pool.

Top cap  : These cover the top plates of the pool to give your pool a complete and finished look.

Pool Liner  : The liner is a waterproof membrane that lines the inside of the pool wall and frame. It holds the water and defines the pool’s shape and appearance.

Skimmer  : The skimmer is a component installed on the side of the pool to remove debris and filter water from the surface. It helps keep the pool clean by collecting floating debris inside its basket.

Pump & Filter System  : The pump pushes water through the filter, removing impurities and debris. The filtered water is then returned to the pool.

Hoses and Connectors  : These components connect the pool’s pump and filter system, allowing water to circulate properly through the system.

Return Jets  : These are outlets that allow filtered water to be returned to the pool. The direction of the return jet is adjustable. The return jet should be adjusted to point filtered water down and away from your skimmer opening.

Ladder or Steps  : A ladder or steps provide access into your pool. They allow access to get into or out of your pool or allow access from a deck.

Starting Up Your New Pool

For The First Time

Once your new pool is built, filled, and your electrician has provided electric to your filter system, here are some helpful hints to get started and for maintaining your pool:

• Your pool’s ideal water level should be maintained to the middle of the skimmer opening.

• Start your system with the multiport valve on top of your filter in the backwash position and run for one minute. After a minute, switch to rinse for 30 seconds to a minute. Then switch the valve to filter. (See Page 4 for how to operate your filter system)

• Your return fitting, where the water returns to your pool, is adjustable by loosening the ring around the opening. The return fitting should be adjusted to point down and away from the skimmer opening.

• Shut off the flow of water when changing pump lid o-ring or emptying the basket. Turn the pump off. Turn your multiport valve to the Closed position. Plug off your skimmer. Be sure to place the multiport valve back into the filter position and remove the plug in the skimmer before turning your pump back on

• Skimmer or weir, also referred to as the skimmer door or “flapper” is an important component of your pools system. The weir door ensures the top of your pool water enters the skimmer on its way to your filter. The top layer of water contains most contaminants in your pool water. The weir door also keeps debris from floating out of your skimmer basket after the pump is shut off.

• Check around equipment, skimmer, return periodically for leaks. A minor leak may lead to a major leak over time or cause wear and tear on your pool or equipment. Identify the source of the leak and contact your local Dover Pool store for assistance.

• Take a picture of how your equipment and hoses are connected. This will be a good reference when you open up the following spring to make it easier to reconnect your equipment properly.

Your Pool Circulation System & Operation

Running Your Pool Pump:

Under normal conditions, running the pump for 8 to 12 hours straight per day during the swimming season is a common recommendation. However, you may need to adjust this based on your specific circumstances. Most chemicals advise to add to your pool with the pump running, always refer to label directions. Running your pump longer when the pool is getting more use or during warmer temperatures will help prevent algae and keep water clear.

Setting on your multiport valve. Your sand filter comes with a 6 position multiport valve. Below is an explanation of each of the settings.

FILTER – This is the setting your filter will be in for all normal operation of your filter. Unfiltered water flows from your skimmer into the pump. The pump pushes the water into your filter tank. Unfiltered water enters through the top of the filter, flows through the filter and exits at the bottom of the filter, returning back to the pool.

WASTE – Water enters the multiport valve and exits through the backwash port, bypassing the filter media. This setting can be used to lower the water level in your pool. You can also use this setting while vacuuming an excessive amount of debris from your pool.

CLOSED – This setting blocks off all entrances to the filter. No water can enter or exit the filter. This setting is used when changing the filter media.

BACKWASH – The flow of water is reversed through the filter, to remove the filter of contaminants that have been filtered form your water. Water enters at the bottom of the filter through the laterals or fingers, disrupting the filter media so as to remove the dirt and debris, and exits through the backwash pipe.

RECIRCULATE – Water enters and exists the multiport valve, flowing back into the pool without going through the filter media. The filter is bypassed in this setting.

RINSE – Water enters at the top of the filter, flows through the sand, exits through the filter fingers at the bottom and out through waste pipe. This setting is used after backwashing to reset the bed of the sand.

How To Backwash Your Filter

Backwashing is an essential part of maintaining a sand filter in your pool. It helps remove trapped debris and contaminants from the sand, allowing the filter to function efficiently.

When you start up your filter for the first time or after a backwash, take note of the pressure on your pressure gauge. We will refer to this as your starting pressure. Do not be too concerned over the actual number of your starting pressure. When your pressure increased 8 to 10 psi from your starting pressure, that is indication that you need backwash. You may also notice a decrease in the suction from your skimmer or the pressure of water returning to your pool when it is time to backwash.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to backwash a sand filter:

Attach a Backwash Hose: Connect a backwash hose to the backwash port on the multiport valve. Ensure the other end of the hose is in an area that the water from your backwash will not cause harm or damage.

Turn Off the Pool Pump: Always have your pump off when changing positions of your multiport valve on the top of your sand filter.

Turn the clockwise Valve from “Filter” to “Backwash”: Always rotate your multiport valve in a clockwise position. Rotate the multiport valve handle to the “Backwash” position. If your filter doesn’t have a multiport valve, there may be a separate backwash valve.

Turn On the Pump: Turn on the pool pump to start the backwashing process. The water will flow backward through the filter, carrying away trapped debris out though the backwash hose.

Backwash Until Water Runs Clear: Watch the water in the sight glass or observe the discharge water. Initially, it will be cloudy and may contain debris. Continue backwashing until the water runs clear.

Rinse : After backwashing, It is a good practice to set the multiport valve to the “Rinse” position for about 1530 seconds. This helps settle the sand bed before returning to the “Filter” position. Turn the pump off before rotating the multiport valve in a clockwise direction to “Rinse”.

Return to “Filter” Position: After backwashing and, if applicable, rinsing, turn the multiport valve back to the “Filter” position in a clockwise direction. Turn the pump off before rotating the valve. Once the valve is back in the “Filter” position, turn your pump back on. This resumes the normal filtration process.

Check Pressure Gauge: After completing the backwash, check the pressure gauge on the filter. A clean filter will show a lower pressure reading than before backwashing. This will be your new starting pressure. The frequency of backwashing depends on the pool usage and water conditions. Generally, backwash when the pressure gauge shows an increase of 8-10 psi from the clean, starting pressure.

Remember to consult your specific filter and pump manual for any manufacturer-specific instructions. Regular backwashing is crucial to maintain the effectiveness of your sand filter and ensure optimal water quality in your pool.

Cleaning Your Pool

Part of new pool ownership is keeping your pool clean and looking great. Depending on how often your pool has swimmers, the environment around your pool, and the time of year will affect how often you need to clean the surface and floor of your pool.

Surface of pool water: Using a skimmer net connected to your telescopic pole, remove floating debris regularly as needed. Be sure to routinely check your skimmer basket and remove debris. The frequency to skim your surface and check your skimmer basket will vary based on the time of season and number of leaves, debris, and other materials in your surrounding that may make their way into your pool.

Floor of swimming pool: Debris on the bottom of your swimming can be removed in several ways. Larger debris, such as leaves, can be removed manually with a leaf net or a leaf eater. Both items attach to your telescopic pole. The leaf net contains a larger, deeper net than your surface skimmer. Slowly and gently sweeping the leaf net across the bottom of your swimming pool will allow leaves and other larger debris to enter the net.

Your pool kit or installation package also included a manual vacuum system. This includes a vacuum head, vacuum hose, telescopic pole, and vacuum plate skimmer attachment.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to manually vacuum your above-ground pool:

1. Gather Your Equipment:

Attach the pool vacuum head to the telescopic pole. Connect your vacuum hose to one end to the vacuum head. Lower the assembled vacuum head into the pool, allowing it to rest on the pool floor.

2. Prime the Vacuum Hose: Before connecting the hose to the skimmer fill it with water to remove air.

3. Submerge the vacuum head and the free end of the hose in the pool. Fill the hose with water by holding under the water level up against the return line. Once the hose is filled with water (primed), connect it to the skimmer of vacuum plate attachment.

4. Start the Filtration System: Turn on the pool pump to start the filtration system.

5. Vacuuming: Move the vacuum head across the pool floor, covering the entire surface.

Overlap each pass slightly to ensure complete coverage. Pay special attention to areas with debris or dirt. Periodically check and empty the skimmer basket maintain suction.

6. Empty the Skimmer Basket when completed.

7. Backwash if Necessary: If you notice a decrease in suction or your pressure gauge has increased 10 psi, backwash the pool filter as needed.

8. Finish and Disconnect: Once you’ve vacuumed the entire pool, turn off the pump.

Disconnect the vacuum hose from the skimmer or vacuum port. Remove the vacuum head from the pool.

9. Rinse and Store: Rinse the vacuum head, hose, and pole with clean water to remove any residual debris or pool chemicals. Store the equipment in a dry, shaded area.

Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pool vacuum and filtration system. Regular manual vacuuming, along with routine maintenance, will help keep your above-ground pool clean and clear of debris.

Chemical Safety

Handling swimming pool chemicals is safe and easy when they are used and stored properly. Problems occur when careless mistakes are made. By following some easy safety rules, accidents can be prevented. In addition to the recommendations listed below be certain to read and follow the directions on the bottle label.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s label directions

• Do not mix chemicals.

• ALWAYS use the exact dosage specified on the label by the manufacturer.

• PROTECT eyes with safety glasses or a mask when handling chemicals.

• ALWAYS open product containers in a well-ventilated area.

• ALWAYS use a clean container or measuring device, free of other chemicals or substances when measuring or transporting chemicals from the original packaging.

• ALWAYS keep chemicals in their original containers, tightly sealed.

• STORE your chemicals in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area away from household chemicals and incompatible items such as gasoline, propane tanks, lawn care products, ect.

• NEVER store any liquid products directly over or directly next to dry pool products (chlorine tablets or shock, balancers, etc.

• KEEP liquid acid (muriatic) and liquid chlorine products away from each other and away from all shock products and chlorine-based products.

• SEPARATE your pool care products by using lawn furniture, walls, plastic buckets, shovels, rakes, lumber, other inert items or empty space (at least 3 feet) as a buffer zone between products.

• ALWAYS clean up spills immediately with a clean broom or dust pan. Dispose of spilled materials in clean container. DO NOT PUT SPILLED CHEMICALS BACK IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINER. The chemical may have been contaminated.

• REMEMBER to rinse plastic dispensing containers with water after use.

• KEEP chemicals away from electrical equipment and open flames.

• NEVER FLUSH excessive amounts of chemicals down storm sewers. In case of large spills, contact your local fire department for assistance.

• ALWAYS wash hands thoroughly after handling chemicals.