Things you can do yourself to keep your equipment in top shape

Heater
If it has been longer than 6 months since you turned on the heater take off the door and check to see that the burners are clear and that there is no evidence of unwanted visitors living inside,(if there is you will see droppings). If they have been living inside for a long time you might see something like this.

 If everything looks clear stand to the side of the heater away from the burners and turn on. Never stand in front of the heater door or burners when the starting up the heater. After it fires up let it run for 5 minutes and then simply shut it off. This keeps your pilot/igniter assembly from getting clogged which can happen to heaters that sit for a long time. Running the heater will also cause the thermal regulator,( it controls the water flow inside the heat exchanger), to open thereby keeping it from getting stuck in the closed position. Running the heater will also temporarily expel any rodents that may have nested inside the heater. We have removed some huge nests in the past that rendered the heater inoperative from chewed up wires, and removed insulation. Keep all landscaping trimmed back away from the heater top and exhaust.

Pumps and motors
The circulation pump runs everyday. Make sure the basket is kept clean. A dirty basket restricts the flow thereby cutting efficiency. Check for any leaking water from the pump. Check around and under the motors for any weeds or debris that will restrict the air flow through the motor not allowing it to ventilate and cool properly. This is what you want to avoid.
 
     

The vent holes are located on the bottom side of the motor. Turn on and run any other pumps you have and let them run for a couple of minutes every three months.
This will keep the bearings free and keep the impellers from sticking.

Filters

Check the filter pressure and clean elements as needed.

A clean filter allows more water to pass through thereby increasing efficiency. If you want to check and see if your filter is functioning properly remove the deck lid from the skimmer. With the pump running drop a handful or two of dirt down into the skimmer basket. Then watch your filtered water inlets in the pool to see if any cloudy water or debris comes back into the pool. The water coming in should remain clear and free from debris. The finer and siltier the dirt the better.

Plumbing and Valves

Valves that don't get used and stay in one position for a long time have a tendacy to get stuck.


Every three months turn your valves. If the valves are manual turn them by hand or if they have motors activate them with your control or switch. This will help assure that they are working properly and ready to go when needed.