It's All About Prevention, Prevention, Prevention!

A quick look at the pool daily and follow-up steps go a long way to maintaining a crystal clear, algae-free and sanitary pool for you and your family to enjoy all summer long!

     Once-A-Week maintenance is all that is needed, if after the pool is opened, looks crystal clear and several tests indicate that you are maintaining proper sanitizer levels.

     Check the pool after significant rainfall/storm or heavy use (a lot of people for a few hours or a lot of hours with fewer people!) Dogs using the pool? Test and add products more frequently!

            CIRCULATE The water needs to be circulated every day.  Run the pump at least 8 - 12 hours per day – a timer helps. 24 hours a day is okay. 

FILTER The filter needs to be kept clean. Dirt and oils collecting on top of the sand can greatly reduce the flow of water back to the pool. This is done by either backwashing (as dirt collects in the sand filter increasing the pressure and slows down circulation of the water) OR by chemically cleaning the sand media (as oils from the environment accumulate in the pores of the sand). How filter system works.

     How often will vary depending on your particular equipment and the time of year. Watch the water flow and/or monitor the pressure gauge, if you have one. Start with weekly cleanings and adjust as needed.  

     DO NOT BACKWASH UNLESS NECESSARY! A slightly “dirty” sand filter is sticky and attracts finer particles. Chemically clean the sand every 4- 6 weeks or change the sand annually.

           CLEAN The surfaces (sides and bottom) need to be kept free from biofilms, dirt and debris. You will have to vacuum and or brush the surfaces periodically to maintain it - weekly is ideal.


     The skimmer and pump baskets need to be checked and emptied of debris. Blocked baskets can greatly reduce flow of water back to the pool.

 




FILL Maintain the proper water level.   

   

    TEST  Test the sanitizer and PH every day. Professionally test at PoolCo at least 3 times a year. Before you open, before you winterize, and before the 4th of July. The purpose of testing is to catch slight imbalances before they become BIG imbalances. Worth the extra effort if you want to avoid algae and cloudy water – AND SAVES YOU TIME AND MONEY!!!

    ADD YOUR BIOGUARD 3 STEPS WEEKLY Add the proper amounts of chemicals as they are recommended. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PRODUCT LABEL DIRECTIONS!

 

1) Sanitize – a small amount added daily to keep the pool ready for swimmers and kill any new bacteria, algae and any other living organisms that can get into the pool (because it is outside and not covered.)

2) Algicide – a good quality one (cheap algicides are a waste of your money –basically just soap) a few ounces a week or after a rainfall.

3) Shock - The water needs to be periodically super sanitized to disinfect the water, kill bacteria, algae, other organisms and oxidize wastes. After you shock, do not use the pool until all chemical levels are back to normal and the water is crystal clear.

The last word about pools – TEST YOUR WATER AS FREQUENTLY AS NEEDED! Usually once a week is enough.

The only way to be sure that our recommendations were effective is to verify through testing (at home & PoolCo).

Every pool and spa is different. You may have to adjust the amount of chemicals and schedules presented here.

ALWAYS seek the advice of a pool professional at PoolCo, if you have questions or are having problems.

     .... ATTEND Pool School at PoolCo, to hear AND see much more!

     Call to reserve your spot today - 529-3200.