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We have assembled some of our most frequently asked questions into
five topic areas listed below. Simply click on a topic or question to open
and close it. If you still have unanswered questions you can contact
the Customer Service department or submit an online Troubleshooting
Assistance form (choose pool).
Where can I buy King products?
King Technology products can be purchased
from local pool and spa dealers in your area. Over the past 20 years,
we have built a strong nation-wide network of
dealers that carry our products and can service your needs.
They are the professionals in your area! Please see Locate a Dealer
for the dealer closest to you. Can I purchase products directly from you?
Not at this time. King Technology products can be purchased
from local dealers in your area. Over the past 20 years,
we have built a strong nation-wide network of dealers that
carry our products and can service your needs.
They are the professionals in your area!
Please see Locate a Dealer for
the dealer closest to you.
How do I locate a dealer?
- Enter your zip code on our Locate A Dealer page for a
listing of dealers in your area and the products they carry.
- If you're a resident of Alaska, Hawaii, or a foreign country,
please contact our customer service department via phone 952-933-6118 or submit
an Information Request form.
How do I contact Customer Service?
Can I buy replacement parts from you?
Replacement parts not carried by your pool dealer
(such as o-rings, caps, control dials) can be obtained
by calling us directly at 800-222-0169.
Where can I get a parts list?
Product diagrams and parts lists can be found in your
instruction manual. You can also view this information on our site in the
Manuals & Diagrams section.
What is the list price of your products?
We provide suggested retail prices to our distributors and dealers.
However, we cannot mandate the actual retail price of our products.
If you have a question on a specific product, please call Customer
Service at 800-222-0169.
Pool Start-up & Winterizing
How do I start-up my pool every spring?
- Circulate your pool water 24 hours per day until pool start-up is complete.
- Make sure your pool is free of any existing algae.
Use an algaecide if needed following manufacturer’s directions.
- Make sure your fill water is not too high in metals.
You may use a sequestering agent or metal out product at pool opening.
- Balance your pool water. Take a sample to your local pool dealer
or use a complete test kit that will test for important elements.
Click here for water balance guidelines.
- Establish a free chlorine residual by shocking the
pool with a chlorine shock and begin your pool maintenance program.
What is the correct setting for my control dial?
Each product has a specific setting based on pool size,
pump size, and pump run time. The proper dial setting is important for maintaining the
correct chlorine level. See your manual or
click here for directions on how to achieve the correct setting. How should my King product be winterized?
- Turn the pump off and turn the control dial all the way to the left.
- Unscrew side drain valve to relieve pressure.
- Remove cap.
- Unscrew drain valve in back of in ground units or
front of above ground units. Allow all water to drain.
- Remove all chlorine or minerals from the unit and store or discard as directed.
- Replace cap and drain valves loosely.
Operating Tips
How often should I shock my pool?
Shock the pool once a week during the swimming season
or every other week during cooler weather.
What type of shock should I use?
Use a chlorine shock at start-up. Use a non-chlorine shock
or chlorine shock during the pool season. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
What other chemicals or products should I use?
- Add a stabilizer or conditioner to the pool at the beginning of the
season if the stabilizer level is below 20ppm. This will prevent chlorine
burn off. Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
- If your pool is prone to algae, use a preventative like
FROG BAM 90-Day Algae Preventative.
How often should I run my pump?
ANSI standards
call for at least 1 turn over per day, meaning every gallon
of water should
travel through the pump once per day. To calculate the
proper pump run time for your pool based on general ANSI
guidelines you will first need to know
how many gallons of water your pool holds and the flow rate of your pump in gallons per minute. With this information, you can then
determine the proper pump run time for your pool.
Most pools run between 8 and 12 hours per day. Installing a timer
can make life much easier and filtration time more consistent.
Remember when your pump is running, you are continuously
putting chlorine into the pool.
How do I replace and maintain my Cap O-Rings?
- Hold the cap in front of you upside down with the o-ring groove
facing up. Place one end of the o-ring into the cap groove at
the point closet to you. Hold o-ring down with the thumb and
forefinger of one hand.
- Take hold of the far end of the o-ring with the thumb
and index finger of the other hand. Roll o-ring slightly
back towards you as you stretch the o-ring into the remainder of the cap groove.
- Lubricate o-ring every time a bac pac or mineral reservoir is replaced.
Use the silicone lubricant that came with your equipment.
DO NOT USE petroleum-based lubricants, as these can damage o-rings.
- Note: Instructions and pictures explaining this process can
be found in your instruction manual or visit Manuals & Diagrams. If you need
more silicone lubricant, please call 800-222-0169 to order.
How do I obtain a new instruction manual?
New instruction manuals may be downloaded from Manuals
and Diagrams or you may call 1-800-222-0169 to have one
sent to you via U.S. Mail.
How do I replace my control dial?
The in ground and above ground control dials are
slightly different in their installation.
Instructions and diagrams explaining how to replace a
control dial can be found in your instruction manual or visit Manuals
and Diagrams.
Troubleshooting
What is the best method to remove a tight cap?
- For in ground models, use the cap tool to loosen cap by hitting the handle
counter clockwise. Note: A quick blunt hit from the
palm of your open hand or hammer works best to loosen a tight cap. Sometimes two cap tools will provide greater leverage.
- Lubricate cap o-ring with silicone lubricant every
time you replace a pac or refill the unit.
Do not use petroleum based lubricants!
My cap is cracked. How do I replace it?
Call our customer service department at 800-222-0169 to place a warranty claim.
We may direct you to your dealer for a replacement cap.
Please provide the model number, serial number, date of purchase
and exact description of the crack/problem.
What other equipment on my pool affects my King Technology product?
- The pump: King Technology products work best with
pumps rated between 40 and 80gpm.
- The filter: If it is clogged, circulation through
the King Technology product will be poor.
- Return fittings: Back pressure may be too high or too low.
Simply changing the return jet eyeball size can correct this.
- An in-floor cleaner: These cause pressure spikes in
the plumbing that could result in cap cracks or over-chlorination
if not installed properly.
The control dial does not seem to impact my chlorine readings. What’s wrong?
There are many factors that impact chlorine output
into the pool including weather, pool usage and pump run time.
That means every year your dial setting may be different.
See your manual or
click here for directions on how to achieve the correct setting.
Can a bad or missing pressure relief valve cause over-chlorination?
The pressure relief valve burps any built up chlorine gas
into the lines when the pump is off. A missing pressure relief valve
in the bottom of the cycler increases the water level in the unit.
This can lead to over-chlorination.
Will the size of the eyeballs at my return jets affect
back pressure?
Yes, and the result can be over or under chlorination.
Simply by going to a larger eyeball fitting in the return jet,
you can reduce the back pressure, which reduces the water level
in the Pac, which cuts down on chlorine output. This same logic
applies to low back pressure and under chlorination. By using
a smaller eyeball fitting at the return jet you increase
back pressure raising the water level in the Pac, and increasing
chlorine output.
Pool Water Chemistry
Chlorine and Bromine
Why do I continually experience high chlorine readings?
Why do I continually experience low chlorine readings?
What should my chlorine readings be?
Industry standards for chlorine pools is 1-3ppm. When using
minerals for sanitation, chlorine levels may be reduced to 0.5-1ppm.
How should I test for chlorine?
There are several test methods available through your
local pool and spa dealer. These include drop tests or strips.
Either method is fine as long as it measures the following
four parameters: pH, total alkalinity, total chlorine
and free chlorine.
Can I use bromine with your systems?
Bromine may be used with our SPA FROG Mineral Systems as
this sanitizer works well with minerals in a hot water environment.
It may also be used in our Perform-Max bulk feeders for swimming pools.
At this time, we are not recommending the use of bromine with our
POOL FROG Mineral Systems.
What's the difference between "total" chlorine and "free" chlorine?
Total chlorine is just as it sounds, the total amount of chlorine in the water.
However when chlorine binds up with contaminants it forms a compound called “chloramines”
that are no longer effective sanitizers and need to be removed through shocking.
The chlorine that is still “good” to keep working is the free chlorine.
If directions call for maintaining a 1ppm chlorine level, always make sure
that matches your free chlorine reading.
My test strips show no chlorine reading even after shocking. Why?
Test kits are susceptible to bleaching in high concentrations
of chlorine such as after shocking. Wait 24 hours after shocking and test again. Test strips have an expiration date. Make sure to use fresh strips.
My pool has a heavy chlorine smell. Does this mean I have too
much chlorine in the pool?
No, it means you have too many “chloramines” in the pool.
This is chlorine that has already bound up with contaminants in the
water and is no longer an effective sanitizer. Shock the pool to
remove the chloramines and your odor will go away.
What are common causes of high chlorine demand?
Weather and use are the two biggest demands on chlorine.
For pools that are uncovered and outdoors, airborne
particles, leaves and other contaminants can enter and consume chlorine.
Hot weather increases water temperature, which will consume
chlorine at a faster rate. Finally the more people in
the water, the more contaminants there are for the chlorine to remove.
Pool Water Balancing
Do you have recommended water balance guidelines?
What kind of test kit do you recommend?
There are several test methods available through your
local pool dealer. These include drop tests or strips.
Either method is fine as long as it measures the following four
parameters: pH, total alkalinity, total chlorine (or bromine) and
free chlorine (or bromine).
Should my pool store test my water?
It’s always a good idea to have your pool store fully
test your water once you have completed your pool opening process to make
sure everything is in line for a great summer. If you experience any
difficulties with balancing or sanitizing, have your pool store test
the water and give you an analysis of what needs to be done to correct the situation.
My pool's pH is hard to control. Why?
Everything that enters your pool has a pH that
can raise or lower the total pH of the pool.
The following is a list of possible culprits that
could be giving you a difficult time in maintaining pH between
the desired range of 7.2 and 7.8.
- Tap water, depending on the area of the country, can either have a low or high pH
- Overestimating the amount of pH Decreaser or pH Increaser needed is often the problem
- Using chlorine tablets (Trichlor), or bromine tend to lower pH over time, while
using shocks like Calcium Hypochlorite or Lithium Hypochlorite may raise the pH over time.
- High bather loads will tend to lower pH.
- Swimmer wastes, such as perspiration, urine, saliva and other body oils will also lower pH.
- A high alkalinity reading will raise the pH.
- Dirt, debris or leaves that blow into the pool as well as rain that is often acidic will lower pH.
What's the difference between pH and alkalinity?
pH is the abbreviation for “potential hydrogen” and the reading indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water. Basically, it is the measure of how acidic or basic (alkaline) the water is.
Total alkalinity is the measure of how stable the pH is. It measures the
pool water’s
buffering capacity to resist pH changes. Without control of the total alkalinity,
the pH will rise and fall abruptly.
What impact do weather conditions have on my pool?
Weather affects the chlorine level in the pool as well
as the pH. Hot weather will increase the water temperature, which
causes the chlorine to be consumed more quickly. Cool weather will
result in no chlorine demand. Your sanitizing unit may need to be
turned down to avoid too much chlorine entering the pool when very little is needed.
Rain is often acidic which can drive your pH down. Always check the
water balance after it rains.
What is calcium hardness?
Calcium Hardness (or Total Hardness), as the name implies, refers to the hardness of the water, measuring the amount of mainly calcium and also other minerals. Swimming pools require hard water – defined as water with more than 100 ppm of hardness ions.
Like pH and alkalinity, calcium hardness affects the tendency of pool water to be corrosive when it is low and scale forming when it is high. Generally, calcium hardness levels should be kept between 200 and 400 ppm.
Why should I use clear pool aids, such as clarifiers?
If the water is hazy or you can’t see to the bottom of
the pool or spa, a shock treatment usually will clear it up. If this persists
or the shock is not enough, clarifiers or flocculants may be used.
Should I be concerned about landscaping around my pool?
Yes. Landscaping chemicals often contain nitrates that
consume chlorine and make it difficult to maintain the proper sanitation
levels.
Try to cover the pool when using fertilizers and keep trees or shrubs
that lose their leaves as far from the pool as possible.
Algae, Cloudy Water, Colored Water
What is algae?
Algae is one of the most persistent forms
of plant life. Algae common to pools include green, yellow,
black or pink slime. It can be free floating in the water or it
can cling to walls, floor and equipment. Nourished by sunlight and heat,
algae thrives in water with a high pH level and water with a high nitrogen
or phosphate level.
How did I get algae?
Insufficient sanitizer levels are the main
cause but improper water balance and poor circulation can attribute to algae as well.
How do I get rid of algae?
Run filtration continuously while adding a
chlorine shock and brushing the walls of the pool and vacuuming.
Clean and backwash filter every day until clarity returns.
An algaecide, such as FROG BAM,
may also be used with the same brushing and vacuuming routine. Why did my pool water turn cloudy?
Cloudy water is due to a build up of contaminants from
body oils, cosmetics, etc due to a dirty filter, high bather load, drop
in sanitizer level or the water being out of balance. Use a shock to remove the contaminants and correct any of the possible reasons
to prevent it’s reoccurrence.
Click here for water balance guidelines. What causes colored water?
Colored water results either from algae blooming or the oxidation
of minerals in the water. Algae comes in a variety of colors and can be found on
the surface of the water or the pool itself. The more likely reason occurs after
shocking a freshly filled pool that is full of natural minerals like iron, copper or
magnesium. The shock oxidizes the metals causing the discoloration of brown, green or red.
Pool Filtration
How does the filter affect water quality?
The filter not only removes impurities from the water
but it is responsible for proper water flow throughout the pool.
If the filter is dirty, it cannot do it’s job. If the pressure gauge
on the filter is more than 10 pounds above its normal operating pressure
or if water flow out of the return jets is sluggish (i.e. two-thirds of
its normal force),
your filter is probably dirty and should be cleaned.
Other filter issues to watch for include:
- Channeling in sand filters caused by dirty sand contaminated with oils.
- Backwash valves not operating properly; leaking cloudy water through the
returns after backwashing the pool.
- Rips in the DE support fabric, which results in DE being put into the
pool water.
- If the cartridge is torn, debris particles are not stopped by the filter
and reenter the pool.
- The hair and lint strainer is filled with debris, reducing circulation rate.
- The skimmer basket is filled with leaves or other debris, reducing circulation.
- A suction side leak causes air to enter the pump and filter, resulting in poor circulation that could result in cloudy water.
Installation
Minerals In Your Pool
What minerals are in your system and how do they work?
Silver and limestone. The silver destroys
bacteria and
the limestone absorbs acids from chemicals, like chlorine, helping to maintain
a neutral pH.
How long have minerals been used to keep water clean?
Minerals have been used for centuries. The Romans put silver
coins in urns to help maintain water clarity longer.
In more recent times, minerals are used every day in the medical
industry with tremendous results. Some of these same minerals, like silver,
are found in the FROG products.
How long will the minerals last?
In our pool products the minerals will last six months or one pool season whichever is shorter.
Once activated by water, the minerals are effective for only six
months or one pool season. Once removed from the water, the minerals may not be reused the following season.
How do the minerals enter the water?
The minerals enter the water at a low parts per billion
level through a controlled release system that prevents over-dosing.
Do the minerals contain any potentially harmful metals?
No. Our minerals do not have any known harmful affects.
Will the minerals really allow me to cut my chlorine
usage by 50%?
Yes, under most circumstances the average pool owner
will be able to lower their chlorine level to 0.5-1ppm, which is up
to 50%* less than most pools.
*Compared to the minimum EPA recommended chlorine level of 1.0 ppm for
a stabilized swimming pool.
Do the minerals have a "shelf life"?
No, until the minerals are wetted, they will
not expire; store in a dry location.
POOL FROG
Why should I use the POOL FROG System?
Less work. Less chlorine.
The POOL FROG system offers innovative mineral
Technology for pool care. With POOL FROG, water will look and
feel better without a lot of work or chlorine. This system controls
bacteria using a combination of minerals and
reduced chlorine levels. The end result is softer water that has an
added sparkle.
What are the four parts to the POOL FROG System?
The POOL FROG System is 4 parts in one. First, the
POOL FROG Cycler serves as a “Water Treatment Center” and controls the flow
of water. Second, the POOL FROG Mineral Reservoir, the essential part
of the system, is
placed inside the Cycler and holds one season’s worth of minerals. Third, a
Chlorine Bac Pac is placed inside the POOL FROG Mineral Reservoir. Fourth,
your
pool can receive guaranteed algae protection for 90 days by using FROG BAM before inserting a Bac Pac.
Click here to
receive a reminder to replace your POOL FROG Mineral Reservoir every
pool season.
How often will the Chlorine Pac need to be replaced?
The smaller Bac Pac will last 7-10 days on in ground pools and 2-3 weeks on above ground pools. The larger pacs will last 3-5 weeks. Actual times will vary depending on pool
size, pump size and run time, number of swimmers, water and air temperatures.
Can I use only the Mineral Reservoir and not the Chlorine Bac Pacs?
Yes, but you do need to use an alternative source of
chlorine in the pool at all times. Most methods for adding chlorine
will not be as precise as the Bac Pac so your chlorine levels may be higher than
0.5-1 ppm. Set the dial on maximum if using minerals only.
Can I use bromine with the POOL FROG System?
We cannot recommend bromine support because the
POOL FROG will be EPA registered for use with chlorine only.
Can the POOL FROG System be used with an ionizer?
No, there is no need to duplicate the mineral content
in the water (especially silver). The potential for over-dosing could lead to problems.
Can I cut the Pac open when it's empty and refill it with bulk chlorine?
You should not attempt to convert the POOL FROG System
into a bulk feeder for a number of reasons. The cycler will experience a
loss of control, which could result in over chlorination, and more importantly
the warranty would be void for not using as directed.
Can the POOL FROG System be used with an Ozone
System or Salt Chlorine Generator?
The POOL FROG, when used as a complete system with periodic
shocking, offers complete pool care in one complete unit. Some builders
promote the addition of
other systems to compliment the POOL FROG, such as Ozone Systems or
Salt Chlorine Generators. Both of these systems are compatible with
the POOL FROG. Ozone acts as a shocking
mechanism reducing the need for shock. We still require a low-level
chlorine residual in the pool at all times. Salt Chlorine Generators
would eliminate the need for
POOL FROG Chlorine Pacs. The Salt Chlorine Generator should be adjusted
down to maintain a lower level of chlorine in the pool.
Why won't the tablets in my Bac Pac dissolve?
The most common cause is that the chlorine tablets
have not fallen down into the area where the water flows through.
Shake the pac to make the tablets fall into place. Low back pressure
may also be the reason. By reducing the size of the eyeball fitting
in the
return will correct this. Please visit Under-Chlorination if
problem persists. What is the warranty coverage?
The POOL FROG has a limited two-year warranty, which
can be extended to ten years if the warranty card is returned or submitted
online
within 60 days of installation. Click
here to register your product online. For full warranty details,
see the back of your instruction manual. Can I convert from Baquacil or Biguanide to POOL FROG?
Yes, but first you must convert the pool to a chlorine pool.
Many pool dealers sell kits to convert pools to chlorine.
FROG BAM
Why should I use FROG BAM?
Algae are a pool’s worse nightmare. Even with a
great water care system like the POOL FROG, those steaming summer days,
poor circulation pockets or accidental drops in chlorine levels could cause
what no pool owner ever asks for. How can you guarantee that algae won’t
ruin your summer this year? With FROG BAM!How does FROG BAM work?
It’s so easy; just follow our 90/90 rule.
Insert FROG BAM into the Mineral Reservoir, set your
control dial to maximum and run your pump for 90 minutes, allowing BAM to circulate in
your pool water. After 90 minutes, remove the BAM cartridge and discard.
If using the Bac Pac, insert into the Mineral Reservoir.
Your pool is now protected from algae for 90 days!
What are the active ingredients in FROG BAM?
The main active ingredient is copper. Unlike many
algaecides FROG BAM uses a very low level of copper, just 3%, and it
stays in suspension for 90 days!
Could the copper in FROG BAM stain my pool?
FROG BAM will not stain if used as directed.
Thousands of customers have used it with great results.
POOL FROG Mineral Hybrid
How is the Mineral Hybrid different from other POOL FROGS?
Our standard Pool Frog product uses the same Mineral Reservoir for destroying bacteria so up to 50% less chlorine is required. However the low chlorine level comes from a replacement pac that fits inside the Cycler. Mineral Hybrid uses the generator to manufacture the chlorine electrically and continuously. Click here for a comparison of salt systems and FROG.
What features does the new Model 6470 have?
- A digital interface with clear indicators for salt level separate than chlorine setting.
- A Mineral Out indicator that designates when to replace the Mineral Reservoir.
- Easy installation with either 110 or 220 volts.
- Turbo feature for boosting the chlorine level before large parties or after heavy rain.
- Cell cable quick connects make it easy to clean and replace the cell.
What gallon size are these systems rated for?
The 6425 is for in ground pools up to 25,00 gallons, the 6440 up to 40,000 gallons and the new 6470 up to 40,000 gallons
Where do I find my model number?
- A label on the colored square of the cell has the model number on it.
- If purchased prior to Sept. 2009, you likely have a 6425 or 6440. If you purchased after Sept. 2009, you likely have a 6470. Click here for a product manual.
What should the salt level be in my pool?
- 3000-4500 ppm. Have a pool professional check your water periodically to make sure you are within this range.
- If you are too low or too high, the model 6470 will notify you. On the older models, a light will come on if the salt is too high, or you cannot turn the lights all the way to the top if the salt is low.
Do I ever have to add salt?
Occasionally you may have to add salt due to water splash out. The model 6470 will notify you when the salt is low. On the older models when turning the dial all the way and the lights do not reach the top, your salt is low. Follow the directions in your manual for adding salt
How do I clean my cell and how often?
- How often will vary depending on individual pool conditions – particularly how stable the pH is. With the self cleaning cell, expect to clean it once or twice a season.
- Remove the cell from the line, put the cap on one end and pour muratic acid into the other letting it soak until the bubbling stops. Pour the muratic acid into the pool as you walk around the perimeter. Rinse the cell with clean water and replace inline.
My cell needs to be cleaned more frequently than recommended. What is the problem?
How often do I change my mineral reservoir?
Every 6 months or one pool season whichever is shorter. Even if you hear the spent minerals inside, they are no longer effective and must be replaced. The model 6470 has a convenient mineral out indicator to remind you to replace your minerals.
For the older models, click here to
receive a reminder to replace your POOL FROG Mineral Reservoir every
pool season. Can I use FROG BAM?
Due to the electrical process of generating chlorine, these systems are not compatible with copper products like FROG BAM. If algae is a concern, use a polyquat algaecide.
The system appears to be working but why is my chlorine level at 0?
- The system is producing chlorine but something is consuming it. Have you experienced extreme weather conditions or heavy use of the pool? Add a pool shock to the water.
- It could be early algae growth. Have your water tested for phosphates as these are food for algae. Your dealer will help you if the phosphate level is high.
Why won't the system produce chlorine to full capacity?
- The cell could need cleaning or may need to be replaced.
- The salt could be low. Make sure it is within 3000 – 4500 ppm.
- The water temperature may be too cool to produce chlorine efficiently. This will correct itself when water warms up.
Why are all the lights flashing on my Model 6425 or 6440?
The system needs to be reset. Turn off power to the unit and remove the fuse found on the bottom of the control panel for 30 seconds. Put the fuse back in and power up.
What is the warranty on the Mineral Hybrid?
The model 6425 and 6440 have a 7 year warranty (3 full and 4 at 60% coverage) while the 6470 is 3 years (1 full and 2 at 60% coverage).
INSTANT FROG
What is INSTANT FROG?
Mineral pool care…instantly. All the same great
mineral benefits as POOL FROG that go to work as soon as you place it in your
skimmer basket. Less chlorine, less work and better water quality.
Is INSTANT FROG for everyone?
No, INSTANT FROG is designed for existing in ground pools
up to 25,000 gallons. It will not work on above ground pools.
What's in INSTANT FROG?
INSTANT FROG contains the same innovative mineral
technology that is used in our POOL FROG System. Silver and limestone.
How long does INSTANT FROG last?
Six months or one pool season whichever is shorter. Simply set the easy reminder dial
to six months from the date of purchase and let INSTANT FROG sit in your skimmer.
New Water
Perform-Max
Aqua Smarte, Sparco & Prevail Systems
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