Remember, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure! Be proactive rather than reactive with this simple test, fix or replace guide for everything that keeps your pool running:

Is your pool cleaner starting and stopping? try these tips:

• Ensure your filtration system is clean. If you’ve got a sand filter, give it a good backwash for 60 seconds. If you’ve got a cartridge filter, ensure your filter has been cleaned thoroughly. OR, it could be time for a new cartridge filter element.

TIP: Soak your cartridge filter element in a tub of clean water and some Zodiac Filter Cleaner solution overnight. This will loosen up all the solidified debris in the pleats, allowing for a much thorough clean with the hose.)

• If the cleaner is still stopping and starting after cleaning your cartridge filter element, try running the cleaner with the cartridge filter element removed from the cartridge filter tank. If it runs fine with the cartridge filter removed, it's time for a new cartridge filter element.
• Have you checked the diaphragm in the middle of the chamber? (the yellow rubber thingy), if this has a slight split or tear in it, it can completely hinder the performance of the cleaner. If this is the case, we stock these as spare part replacements.
• Have you checked the hammer in the middle of the chamber? (the blue rubber wedge), if this has debris in it, it can completely hinder the performance of the cleaner. Ensure the mouth is clear of any debris.
• Are you using a flow control valve? It has different settings that you can use to control the flow to the cleaner, and this connects in between the hose and the vacuum plate. By using this, and optimizing the flow to the cleaner, usually works wonders. More suction is not always better!
• Are you utilizing a hose weight? By starting this weight at the base of the hose ( closest to the cleaner) and slowly moving it in increments of 10-15cm up the hose to find that sweet spot, can also be a major help.
• You may have a small hole in one of the hoses, If this is the case, we stock replacement hoses for every type of pool cleaner.
  
  

Fix:
It's common that a diaphragm, foot, skirt, or hose length usually needs replacing.
Click here to view our range of Pool Cleaner Spare Parts.

Replace:
Click here to view our range of Pool Cleaners.

Not sure which Pool Cleaner to replace yours with?
Click here for our guide on Manual, Automatic or Robotic Pool Cleaners.

For more information about our replacement recommendations, check our our detailed review on the Water TechniX Rapid Automatic Pool Cleaner HERE, and our one-year later review on the Pentair Rebel 2 Automatic Pool Cleaner HERE.

Test:
Is your cleaner going around in circles?

Fix:
Usually, an assembly, shaft or tyre needs replacing. We stock tune up kits for most pool cleaners of this type.

Click here to view our range of Tune Up Kits.

Replace:
Click here to view our range of Pool Cleaners.

Not sure which Pool Cleaner to replace yours with?
Click here for our guide on Manual, Automatic or Robotic Pool Cleaners.

Click here to read more about the benefits of getting a robotic pool cleaner.

Test:
Do you have inadequate suction with your pool cleaner or while manually vacuuming pool?

Fix:

• If there is back pressure this could be caused from your filtration, if you have a cartridge filter, remove the element to allow maximum waterflow.
• If you have a sand filter, firstly backwash, then rinse, or turn the multiport handle to “recirculate” to eliminate the filtration media in the filter.
• Basket: If you find your pump doesn't have enough power or suction, check the skimmer basket and hair and lint pot, ensure it is not cracked and free of debris.
• Seals: If there is a water leak from under the pump this could be due to the seals on either the unions, around the pump body or the mechanical seal between the wet end of the pump and the motor. The mechanical seal is a common wearing part and is an easy replacement if this is the case. If found early this can be easily fixed with minimal damage to the pump.
• Bearings: If the pump is making either a loud pinging noise or a grinding noise, this is commonly due to the bearings in the motor, these also can be easily replaced and if found early, limited damage can be caused to the pump.
• We commonly recommend to replace the bearings and seals together.

Replace:
If you're having continuous problems with your pump, or if it's reaching the end of it's life span, replacing the whole pump can be a better way to go.

For an apples-to-apples comparison of the savings an ECO pool pump like the Water TechniX Pump Switch ECO can provide against standard pool pumps, check out our Pool Pumps By the Number Article Here.

 Test:

• Is your no flow/low salt light constantly on?
• Is your salt cell 5 years or older?
• Is your salt level at least 2,500ppm? (We recommend your salt levels to sit between 2,500-5,00ppm).
• Can you no longer see your display?
• Are the buttons on the label faded?
• Are your cables calcified?

Fix:

• Clean your salt cell by giving it a hydrochloric acid bath (10% acid to 90% water for 3-5 minutes until majority of calcium is dissolved).
• Replace salt cell.
• Replace cables.
• Replace PCB Board.
• Replace front label.

Replace:
If your chlorinator is 10-15 years old, or you're continually having issues with your chlorine production, it could be worth replacing it. Here are the Chlorinators we'd recommend:

Available in 3 sizes, all you have to do is select the optimum size for your pool:

Test:

• Have you added any type of flocculant or clarifier to your pool? If so and you haven't cleaned the filter cartridge immediately, this can clog your cartridges paper pleats up to the point of no return. This then results in the need of a filter cartridge replacement.
• Is your pool cleaner running slower than usual? Your cartridge may be blocking the pressure, therefore needing a thorough clean or replacement of the element.
• Is your cartridge filter leaking? You could need a replacement lid, pressure gauge, bleed valve or o-ring.

Fix:

• Fix your existing cartridge filter element by giving it a thorough clean (we recommend cleaning your cartridge filter element fortnightly).

TIP: Soak your cartridge filter element in a tub of clean water and some Zodiac Filter Cleaning Solution. This will loosen up all the solidified debris in the pleats, allowing for a much thorough clean with the hose.

• Fix your leaking cartridge filter housing by replacing the lid, lock ring, pressure gauge, bleed valve or o-ring. If your tank itself is leaking due to a hairline crack, it may need replacing.

Replace:
From a pool professional perspective, sand filters offer much better flexibility and filtration, resulting in easier care for your pool and better clarity of your water.

Though, we do stock complete replacement cartridge filters.

Test:

• Lack of Pressure: Filtration media can be very old and clogged, Pressure gauge could also have debris in the hole which can be easily replaced with a new unit. Also check pump water flow
• Poor Clarity: this can be due to poor filtration or old filter media causing cloudiness in the pool. Perform a backwash and rise and asses the condition of the return water after this has been done. Replace the sand media in the filter if the age of the media is 5+ years old.
• Recirculate: use the recirculate setting on the multiport to eliminate the filtration media in the tank to see if that is the possible cause of any issues above
• Leaks: If there is a water leak from the filter this could be due to the seals on either the unions, or a leaking spider gasket in the multiport, causing loss of water within the pool.
• These leaks can be checked and o rings on the unions tightened and the spider gasket can easily be replaced ensuring the leaking water out the waste line is stopped.

Need help changing sand filter media? Check out this in-depth guide on how to change your sand filter media.

Replace:
Need a new sand filter? Then we highly recommend the Water TechniX Sand Filter Aspire. It's hands down the best valued sand filter for its price category and it's supported by Mr Pool Man's bulletproof warranty.

Test:
Are your lights dull, flickering or just not working at all anymore?

Fix:
Have a sparky check your transformer / fuse / electrical supply.

Replace:

Sometimes, a replacement transformer is all that's needed. Both AquaQuip and Spa Electrics branded transformers are compatible with all of our LED lights, just choose how many outputs you need (1 output per light).

Alternatively, you can light up your pools life by replacing the light completely with a new, brighter LED light. The three lights you see below are made to retro-fit any type of existing wall-mounted pool light.

Do you have any questions about this topic or the featured products? No worries, we're here to help! Drop us a question down below and we'll get back to you ASAP.

Happy swimming :)