MAINTENANCE

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

• These pools should be properly maintained to ensure proper sanitation measures are taking place. Without proper pool maintenance (which includes circulation and treatment of water) various pathogens can grow. If you’re looking for a hands-off, worry-free option, we’re now offering a bi-weekly service package.
• PLEASE NOTE, IF SOMETHING EVER DOESN’T LOOK OR SOUND RIGHT, UNPLUG THE PUMP.
• Only use the minimum amount of chlorine needed to keep your pool clean, about 2-3 x 1-inch tablets per week, less in colder months. DO NOT put your chlorine tablets directly in the pool! Place them in a chlorine floater and keep it at the lowest setting (or all the way closed) to release the chlorine slowly through the holes in the bottom. If your pool water does start to get cloudy or turn green, you may use a higher dosage of chlorine to clear it up, or throw a splash of liquid chlorine in the pool water. 

• If your pool starts looking a little cloudy or green, it doesn't necessarily mean you don't have enough chlorine. Here are some maintenance steps to keep your pool clear in such a situation:
• First, backwash your pool. Make sure you backwash it enough to lower the water level a few inches. See detailed instructions.
• Add fresh water to your pool and test your water chemistry.
• You may need to add between 1/8-1/4 a gallon of liquid chlorine to a cloudy pool and add about a 1/2 a gallon to a green or brown pool. Liquid chlorine reacts differently with the water than chlorine tablets do, and will help clear up your pool.
• DO NOT mix chlorine and bromine in water. This can cause a dangerous chemical reaction. If you’re going to switch from one to the other at any point, you’ll need to drain and clean your pool, and do a line flush.
• Check the pH and chlorine levels of your water regularly (every week or so) with a test kit. The kit will have instructions on the safe ranges to look out for. The testing strips also come in your Cowboy Pool Package. If the pH reads too high or too low, you can use products like pH Up or pH Down to balance levels.
• Every so often, you may need to scrub your tank with a non-abrasive brush to ensure that your Cowboy Pool is clean of algae and any slimy stuff.  
• Your pool comes with a high-performance above ground sand filter pump. We recommend that you run the filter pump 1-2 hours on and 1-2 hours off during the daytime. All the information you’ll need for using and maintaining your filter pump are in the instructions manual with purchase.
• Fill your pool using a hose connected to a municipal water source. We do not recommend using rain or well water in your pool because it has a very low PH and is very acidic. Keep your water level above the suction and return, especially when your pump is on an automatic timer, as the pump should not suck in air. You’ll need to backwash the air bubbles out if your pump has accidentally pumped in air.
• After a period of time, dirt accumulates in the filter which causes resistance to flow and which makes it necessary to backwash the filter. 
• Conditions for backwashing:
  • When the pressure gauge reading on the filter raises 7.2 PSI higher than the initial start up pressure.
  • The flow rate through the filter decreases and is not sufficient
  • If you ever see sand that you don’t recognize in the pool.
  • If the pool is cloudy 
  • Changing the sand in your sand filter is recommended about every 4-5 years, or when your sand has worn out and fails to capture contaminants from your pool. You’ll need to replace with 100 lbs of filter sand (about $20).
• To backwash, unplug the pump, then push and turn the filter valve on the filter to BACKWASH. Plug the pump back in and water will be pumped through the backwash hose. When the water in the sight glass on the left side of the filter is clear unplug the pump. Then push and turn the filter valve to rinse and plug the pump back in for 10-15 seconds or until the sight glass is clear again. Lastly, push and turn the filter valve back to filter and the plug the pump back in. Take note of the pressure gauge on the filter after cleaning.
• Cleaning the pump basket regularly is important to the overall maintenance of your swimming pool. Clogged baskets make your pump have to work harder to try to cycle the water. This can decrease the life and stress the seals in your pump.
  • Unplug the power to the pump.
  • Unscrew the suction and return covers that are inside the pool.
  • Insert the supplied plug fittings to block the water from exiting the pool.
  • Unscrew and remove pump basket lid.
  • Pour out leaves and debris from the basket or use a garden hose to wash the basket.
  • Replace pump basket with the opening hole facing the hose.
  • Replace pump lid and o-ring. Do not over-tighten.
  • Remove plugs and replace suction and return cover fittings to the inside of the pool.
  • Plug pump back in to power.
• To drain your pool, unplug your drain using pliers to unscrew the drain plug. Use a shop-vac, a sump pump or siphon water with a garden hose to get any remaining water out. We do not recommend draining your pool for Texas winters.
• Winterizing: We recommend keeping your pool filled with water and having the water pumping throughout the year. Surprisingly, keeping water in the pool at all times minimizes the chance of rust. Because it doesn’t freeze in Austin for long periods of time, it’s a good idea to keep your Cowboy Pool filled with water and circulating, rather than “winterizing" your pool.
• When the temperature drops below freezing, or when there is a freeze warning, switch your timer to “On” so that the pool is programed to circulate until the temperature rises. For added freeze protection, cover your hoses and filter pump with a blanket. See freeze instructions with your Camplux heater handout.
• In cooler months, you're going to need to use less chlorine in your pool. We recommend about one tab per week or less when it starts to cool down. You’ll notice the chlorine won’t dissolve as quickly as it did in warm weather.