Do I need to keep the Skimmer free of debris and contaminants for the WaterGuru SENSE to work?

Yes.

In order for the WaterGuru SENSE to work optimally, you should periodically maintain your skimmer clear of debris and contaminants. 

• Debris or contaminants in the skimmer can cause missed or failed water chemistry measurements due to the skimmer debris clogging the cassette and obstructing or clouding the optical window of the SENSE
• Debris or contaminants in the skimmer can also cause failure to perform on demand "Measure Now" of your pool's water chemistry from the WaterGuru app for the same reasons
• Note: If your pool is prone to contamination from external contaminants, you may need to wrap a fine mesh stocking around the sensor portion of the WaterGuru SENSE to prevent these contaminants from causing failed readings.

Common types of external contaminants:  

• Pollen dust (common in Springtime)
• Soil dust
• Sand and Dust from sand or dust storms  - Desert areas of Arizona, New Mexico, California and Texas in monsoon season - June - September
  • SENSE will not work in pools cloudy with sand / dust buildup.  Daily Water Measurements and ad-hoc "Measure Now" measurements will fail. 
  • We recommend that in addition to cleaning the optical windows of the SENSE, you clean the pool water and cover the SENSE Cassette assembly completely in a mesh stocking to prevent the cassette from malfunctioning with failed daily measurements.
  • Ahead of any dust storm, the pool should be covered if possible
• Mineral deposits - Limestone
  • Hard water limestone buildup 
• Mineral deposits - Calcium Carbonate Scale
  • Calcium Carbonate Scale from Salt Chlorine Generators
  • Calcium Carbonate Scale from Pool Heaters
  • Calcium Silicate and Calcium Carbonate Scale - How to Remove
• Buildup of sunscreen, body oils, cosmetics and other impurities on the bodies of bathers
• Ash
• Silt
• White Water Mold
• Mustard Algae

Common types of debris:  

• Insects
• Leaves
• Flower petals
• Twigs from shrubs or trees
• Cottonwood seeds
• Poplar Tree buds

Optical Window obstructed - How to resolve

1. Remove the SENSE from the skimmer
2. Ensure that the skimmer is clean - without any debris.  If there is debris, clean it out of the skimmer before proceeding.  If your skimmer periodically fills with debris or contaminants you will need to check the skimmer occasionally to ensure that there is no debris in the skimmer and clean the optical windows or the device will stop measuring.
3. Remove the cassette from the SENSE lab unit
4. Check the bottom of the lab unit for any debris.  If there is any debris, remove it 
5. Using a clean cotton cloth dampened with water, wipe the optical window(s) clean
6. Gently rinse the cassette in clean pool water to remove any debris
7. Replace the cassette so that it is fully inserted
8. Replace the SENSE in the skimmer ensuring that the metal strip on the lab unit is pointing toward the pool and not toward the back of the skimmer

Ensure the water pump is turned on and do a "Measure Now" in the app.  If you are within 6-10 feet of the SENSE, the measurement will complete in about 8 - 13 minutes.  If you are not within 6-10 feet of the SENSE, the measurement will complete in about 45 minutes.

SENSE Optical Windows