Thank you for your interest in having Pool Water Specialists assist you. We have anticipated some of your questions, as summarised below.
This is too hard, do you have a list of products I can refer to?
Thanks for asking, this may make your search easier.
For Pool Products:
For Spa products:
Can you provide me with SIMPLE pool water care instructions?
Yes – in a nutshell – pump must run, filter must be clean, pH needs to be between 7.4-7.6, TA needs to be between 80-125 for concrete pools and 125-150 for synthetic pools, calcium needs to be between 200-275 for concrete pools and 175-225 for synthetic pools, algeacide should be present…. and then your sanitiser (chlorine/ozone/salt/minerals) will be effective! Keep Free Chlorine levels between 1-3, Total Chlorine should be no more than FC+1. Watch the video overview below, and read more our simple guide here.
Can you provide me with SIMPLE spa water care instructions?
Yes – in a nutshell – pump must run, filter must be clean, pH needs to be between 7.4-7.6, TA needs to be between 125-150, calcium needs to be between 175-225 …. and then your sanitiser (chlorine/bromine/ozone/salt) will be effective! Keep Free Chlorine levels between 2-4, Total Chlorine should be no more than FC+1. Read our simple guide here – it has handy links to the relevant products you may need. To get you ready to go, consider purchasing one of our Spa Pool Start Up Kits.
I need some advice - can I call you?
Yes! Ally would prefer to chat with you about your pool concerns to ensure you order the correct products for your needs. Having been in the pool industry since 2005, her wealth of knowledge can be drawn upon easily over the phone. Call her now via WhatsApp on 027 557 5072.
What is your freight policy?
Freight charges for orders are calculated by weight and destination.
Orders meeting the advertised freight-free offer parameters* will have freight charges waived. Any Rural Delivery and/or Dangerous Goods surcharges will still apply.
*Our Freight-Free offer advertised on our home page applies only to orders under 25kg Auckland, elsewhere under 15kg.
For freight charges and Pacific Island enquiries, please email [email protected].
What is your returns policy?
Our Returns Policy: We stock quality pool and spa products and are confident that you will be very pleased with your purchase. If for any reason you are not satisfied please return it to us for a refund or exchange within 7 days of the purchase date. The refund will cover the purchase price of the returned product, including return shipping.
View our Full Returns Policy
Help! My pool has gone green!
Don’t panic – best option here is to call Ally now via WhatsApp 027 557 5072. She will ask all the right questions, provide you with the answers and plan the best ‘plan of attack’ for you to fix the problem yourself. You will need to add a few products and apply a bit of elbow grease, but it’s really not that hard! Visit Green Pool Rescue page for more information.
What is 'water balance', how do I get it right, and why?
To ensure your pool or spa is always working at its best, it is important to have the ‘balance’ correct. This will ensure your pool is healthy and safe to bathe in, look inviting, be comfortable, and to protect your pool’s surface and equipment including heaters, pumps and filtration systems. We recommend you take a water sample to your nearest pool retailer for testing on a monthly basis, and/or test your pool yourself weekly using a test kit or strips and entering your readings into our FREE Water Test Calculator which will calculate the quantities of specific products you will need to get your pool in balance. Weekly monitoring will reduce fluctuations in balance. Read our handy guides to help you understand what and how to do this: Pools | Spas
Can you help me 'DIY' my pool care?
Good news! You are capable of controlling your own pool water health, and the ultimate care of your family, valuable pool, and equipment.
By following your pool manufacturers instructions and the advice provided on this website your pool will be healthy, clear and sparkling every day. Pool Water Specialists will happily assist you getting started and moving forward…with friendly, professional advice. Contact Ally via WhatsApp for advice, or read our handy guides to help you understand what and how to do this: Pools | Spas
How many litres is my pool? How to calculate the volume of your pool.
In order to know correct filtration hours and to calculate chemical quantities, we need to know the volume of our pool. Watch this short video below :
The size of your pool will determine how long you need to run your pump and filter, and of course what dosage rates to apply your chemicals. Running your pump and filter for longer than necessary will waste electricity. Not running them long enough will mean your water isn’t sufficiently clean or healthy for swimming.
Likewise, adding a too high dosage rate of chemicals can damage your pool equipment, or cause a concentration of chemistry in the water that isn’t safe or comfortable. A too weak dosage will mean the chemicals are ineffective in doing their job. This is not only a waste of money, but may also cause your pool to be unsafe to swim in, as it may not be sanitised properly.
This is why it’s imperative to know how many litres are in your pool! You’ll need a measuring tape to calculate the following formula. Alternatively, you can watch our short, helpful video above on how to measure your pool here.
Pool volume (Litres) = length (m) x width (m) x average depth (m) x 1000 (to convert to litres).
You can determine the average depth (without getting wet) by placing your leaf scoop pole into the shallow end of the pool until it touches the bottom. After you’ve taken the pole out, lay it on the ground. With a measuring tape, measure from the bottom of the pole, up to the mark the waterline made on the pole. Do the same with the deep end. Use the following formula to calculate the average depth of your pool.
Average depth (m) = shallow end (m) x deep end (m) ÷ 2
Once you know your pool’s volume, you can be assured you’re running your equipment efficiently, protecting your pool equipment, and dosing your chemicals effectively!
What is the difference between a salt pool and a chlorine pool?
Both pools are chlorine pools – the difference is the way we apply the chlorine to our pool – watch this short video below:
What chlorine product is best for me? Tablets or granular?
Pools vary, and so do we! Some of us are too busy to tend to a pool on a daily basis so a chlorine tablet would be ideal, and some are happy to add a granular product on a daily basis. Tablets can only be used with a floating tablet dispenser, or a tablet dispenser plumbed in to your filtration system, so tablets are very easy to use! Contact us or call us on WhatsApp 0275575072 to discuss.
How do I clean my salt cell? It has white deposits on it!
If your salt cell has white deposits on the plates it requires cleaning! Follow the instruction son the product packaging for the correct use of a Salt Cell Cleaner . We also recommend adding a stain and scale remover to your pool.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Cleaning of Salt Chlorinator Cells
- Turn off the pump, filter and salt chlorinator.
- Remove the salt chlorinator cell.
- For best results wash or hose the cell in clean warm water.
- Fully immerse the cell in a clean plastic container containing Salt Cell Cleaner.
- Leave for 10-15 minutes or until the cell appears clean.
- Carefully rinse with fresh water and re-assemble the chlorinator.
- Whilst Salt Cell Cleaner can be re-used, for the best results with heavy scaling, a fresh solution is
recommended.
What setting should I run my salt cell at?
This depends on the seasons and how much use the pool is getting – to help, watch this short video below. Ensure your pool is balanced correctly to enable the chlorine in your pool to be most effective.
How do I safely handle liquid acid?
Watch this short video below for handy tips on handling pool acid. We suggest using an alternative product: dry acid, or Sodium Bisulphate. Available in various pack sizes called pH Decrease.
How do backwash my filter?
Watch this short video below for the correct backwashing procedure to ensure correct handling of your expensive filtration equipment, and to provide safe, clear and inviting pool water to swim in.
How do I clean my filter cartridges with Spa Master Cartridge Cleaner?
Spa and swimming pool filter maintenance.
It is vital your filter cartridge is maintained correctly to maximize its life and usefulness. We recommend cleaning fortnightly using Spa Master Cartridge Cleaner.
The importance of a well maintained cartridge
The life of a filter cartridge depends on how you treat it.
Filter clogging is caused by soaps, chemicals, perspiration, body fats, oils and fine particles of dust or dirt.
Maximise the life of your filter
There are specific things you can do to maximise the life of your filter:
- Maintain the pool water chemistry in proper balance.
- Clean the cartridge in accordance with its cleaning instructions.
- Do not scrub the filter with a stiff brush.
- Do not use a high pressure hose.
- Do not use flocculants.
- Rotate two cartridges to prolong the life of the filters considerably.
Instructions for cleaning your filter cartridge
All cartridge filters should be cleaned at least every 1-2 months (more often with high usage). If you follow these cleaning procedures you will ensure the maximum life of the cartridge:
- Remove the cartridge from the filter housing or skimmer box.
- Wash the filter using a garden hose or a cleaning tool, working from the top down. Do not use a high pressure hose or a brush.
- Soak the cartridge for at least an hour (overnight is preferable) in a Spa Master Cartridge Cleaner.
- Rinse the cartridge once more with a hose to remove any remaining oils or cleaning solution.
Eventually your cartridge filter will block and will need to be replaced – usually within 1 to 2 years – depending on the amount of use.
Warranty Statement
Magnum filters cartridges are guaranteed against defects resulting from faulty workmanship or materials for one year from date of purchase.
This Limited Warranty is void if:
● The filter cartridge has been subjected to alteration, neglect, misuse or abuse of the filter cartridge or filter housing, including spas and pools that are plumbed incorrectly.
● The failure is caused by accident, acts of God or other causes beyond the control of the manufacturer.
● Damage due to water freezing inside filter housing.
● Freight damage caused by the common carrier, other than freight carried out by Magnum Filters Limited.
● Failure to maintain proper water chemistry and chemical balance.
● The use of abrasive or improper cleaning solutions or cleaning methods.
● The filter cartridge is used with in-floor pool cleaning systems.
● The filter cartridge is used to filter flocculants.
Also:
● Externally threaded spa filter cartridges are not covered under warranty, due to wear and tear of threading the cartridge in and out over time and also damage caused by over and under tightening.
Although we state that filters cartridges should last 1-2 years, the life of a filter cartridge is determined by the types and quantity of particles in the water. Water quality needs to be addressed if premature blockages occur (less than 1 year).
The liabilities of Magnum Filters are limited solely and exclusively to the replacement of the cartridge and freight to the original recipient and do not include any labour, installation, losses, expenses and liability for incidental, consequential damages of any kind.
All cartridges under warranty claims must either be returned to Magnum Filters for inspection, or photos emailed to Pool Water Specialists with a detailed description.
How do I clean the pump basket?
To protect your pump, and minimise phosphates ensure your pump basket is free of debris (leaves, sticks and seeds etc). Watch this short video below :
How do I clean the skimmer basket?
To assist in efficient filtration and to reduce phosphates it is important to empty your skimmer basket daily if required – to help, watch this short video below and consider using skimmer socks to capture smaller leaves and debris :
How do I remove fine dust particles from my pool?
There are several ways to achieve this, and/or a few products you could use – Suggested products include
How do I stop ducks from swimming in my pool?
It’s simple – add Lo-Chlor No More Ducks to your pool water.
This product helps deter ducks and other feathered friends from swimming pool surfaces.
Benefits
- Reduces the surface tension of the water.
- Not harmful to ducks or humans.
- Can be used in all types of pool finishes.
- Compatible with all recognised sanitisers and other pool additives.
Important Notes
- Product may smell and foam for a short period.
- Use only when ducks are present in the pool.
- Use caution when ducklings are present.
How do I clean my spa surfaces, filters and pipes?
With use and age, spa pools can deteriorate. In order to keep your spa in pristine condition, you will regularly need to clean it. We recommend a simple 3 step process using Lo-Chlor Tile & Vinyl Cleaner, Spa Master Cartridge Cleaner and Spa Master Pipe Cleaner.
My spa is foamy - help!
Spa foam occurs for a variety of reasons, including residual detergent from clothing or bathers washing off in the spa, or a build-up of body oils in the water. Spa Master Defoamer eliminates foam in seconds!
How often should I clean my spa or pool filter cartridge?
Because a filter is designed to collect unwanted particles, debris, oils, soaps etc, it will need to be cleaned regularly. Basically the more you use your spa or pool, the more often you have to clean the filter cartridge. From very high usage (every 1-3 weeks) to low usage (every month).
A blocked cartridge can put undue pressure on your pump and motor and decrease the life of these parts.
Please use Spa Master Cartridge Cleaner to clean your filters on a regular basis. Empty your spa every 3 to 4 months and use Spa Master Pipe Cleaner to ensure your spa has no residual build up to contaminate the new water and ensure maximum pump efficiency.