What Makes One Hot Tub Different from Another Hot Tub?

If you haven't noticed, lots of folks are buying spas these days.  According to a recent study by the National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI), there are now some 3.3 million residential spas in place.  Less costly to install and operate than their in-ground counterparts, portable spas which are completely self contained and require no plumbing, represent about 85 percent of all spas sold.

As with any major purchase, careful shopping and research can help ensure you make the best buying decision to meet your needs.

There are some different 75 spa manufacturers in the U.S. and products vary widely in price, quality and dependability. We recommend people do their shopping very carefully, comparing materials utilized in construction, the warranties offered by manufacturers on various models, the cost to operate on a monthly basis, customer referrals, and the manufacturer's history.

Key Questions to Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub

1. What is manufacturer's track record and reputation?

Ask your spa salesman questions about the manufacturer.  How long have they been in business?  How many dealers do they have?  How many states do they sell their product in?  Are there any claims filed against them (call your Better Business Bureau)?  It's important to get a good feel for the company and its history, and how long they'll be around in the future.  

Owner satisfaction is built into every Hot Spring® hot tub.   Hot Spring®  hot tubs are the world's number one brand of portable hot tubs. They have been the market leader since 1977. Hot Spring® hot tubs are made by Watkins Manufacturing, of the Masco Corporation family of companies whose products like Delta® faucets, Behr® paints, and CraftMaid ® cabinets, are well known for quality and  value.

You can own and enjoy a Hot Spring® hot tub no matter where you live. They are available in all 50 states, Canada and over 50 countries. With their global network of over 950 dealers and service centers, a hot tub professional is always there for you, before, during and after the sale.

2.  How long has the dealer been in business and carried this spa line?

The longer a dealer has been in business, the better their track record is likely to be.  And the longer they've carried that particular brand of spa, the higher your comfort level will be.  It's very important to both seek out a manufacturer with a strong company history and to select a dealer who is committed to that manufacturer's product line. 

2nd generation owners
Mark and Mary Carvell

PoolCo has served southern Illinois since 1979. We provide the best ownership experience, because we keep our promises. PoolCo has carried and serviced hot tubs since 2000. We have sold Hot Spring® hot tubs since 2005. We are a low pressure reputable dealer who can answer all of your buying questions. 

During your hot tub ownership, PoolCo is proud to honor you with our outstanding customer service.  Our experienced staff receives specialized training.  PoolCo: Three generations of Carvells, same business - same location.  We are ready to answer your questions, help with follow up calls, and trouble shoot any concerns.  We create happy customers.

3. What is the warranty on this brand of spa?

Ask for a copy of the warranty to take home with you for any spa you look at (some dealers are reluctant to give you a copy of the warranty to take home and this should be a "red flag" to you as to what the fine print may say).

Have the dealer clearly explain what is covered and what isn't.

Get any and all promises in writing.

A reputable manufacturer will cover not only the spa shell, but the plumbing, jets, and all major components for up to five years. A good rule of thumb is to buy a spa that the has been made by a manufacturer who has been in business longer than the warranty they offer.

NO BLAME GAME

Hot Tub Warranties What To Know

The Hot Spring®  warranty remains comprehensive and straightforward. 

Every hot tub comes with a solid warranty protection, 

as well as the finest after-sale customer care.

A warranty is a promise.

• 5 Year NO-Fault^® Heater Warranty 
• 7 Year Shell Surface Warranty
• 5 Year No Leak Plumbing Warranty 
• 5 Year Parts Warranty
• 5 Year Everwood Cabinetry Warranty

A great warranty provides the peace of mind that supports your purchasing decision. 

Simply put, they - the manufacturer AND the dealer - promise to fix any mistakes (defects) that originated at their factory. What makes a warranty a great warranty is how well they keep that promise.

• Is the warranty unconditional or do they blame you for the cause of the problem, to get themselves off the hook?
• Does the dealer have their own service department or do they subcontract the work out?
• How quickly does the dealer respond to your request for service?
• Do they require you pay a fee before warranty work is performed? 
• Do they have a professional, courteous staff to help you know your hot tub and its operation? 
• After any service work is performed do they contact you to make sure you are happy? 

How PoolCo keeps that promise:

PoolCo never charges diagnostic or trip fees to perform warranty work.  

We never have. We never will. 

Francine Stephens Sales & Service

Our competition, however, charges you a fee BEFORE they will perform warranty work. Why would they charge for something you would expect to be free?

Our competition does not have their own service team.

They must refer you to someone else for your hot tub's service needs. PoolCo firmly believes that you should be able to call us for all your needs.

           Isn't that easier for you?

PoolCo has an advanced technology that Hot Spring shares exclusively with us, their dealer, to provide you the finest in customer care. Authorized Hot Spring spa dealers use DeTECHtive, a sophisticated software tool that provides step-by-step diagnostic instructions, detailed parts lists and electrical schematics for all Hot Spring spa parts. Mark and Mary Carvell, owners - are Hot Spring factory trained. 

4. Do I feel comfortable in this brand of hot tub?    

The most important feature is how you feel sitting in your spa.

What good is it to save a few dollars or fall in love with the look of a certain model, if it is not comfortable to sit in?   We advise consumers to take a "test soak" in the dealer showroom to see how their seat fits into the spa seats, and how the jet placement feels.  It's also important to get a feel for how a particular model feels wet, and to do that you have to climb in when there's water in it.


Spas feel very different wet than they do dry, as many spas are displayed.  You wouldn't consider buying a car without a test drive, and you shouldn't consider a brand of spa without a test soak.

5. What kind of shopper are you?

What is your shopping style? Do you enjoy putting pen to paper and using hours and days of your time looking at all the fine print? Or do you simply hate this? Do you like talking to sales people? Or do you simply hate this? Do you have the time to visit several stores? Or would you prefer they come to you?

Shopping your way is easy at PoolCo. 

Whatever your shopping style, these easy steps help you find the tub you love.

1. Focus on what type of hot tub experience you want.
2. Consider each feature of the hot tub.
3. Decide if the feature will add to your experience. Decide if you would miss any of those features, if you didn't have them.
4. Lastly are those features and the hot tub reliable?  Will they keep their promise of performing for you day in and day out, year in year out?

No Pressure PoolCo. You're the boss, you decide where and when. Go ahead shop online. We've got so many great experiences to share. Shopping online saves you time and energy. PoolCo is ready to help on YOUR schedule.

Search the Internet. Talk to Friends, Co-Workers and Family.

How can you you perform a true comparasion? Search the Internet. Talk to others. You probably are already searching and shopping online. Go to message boards. Use all the "Social Media" sites that exist to chat with different retailers and manufacturers. Shopping online saves you time and really gives you a great idea of what others are experiencing locally, nationally and worldwide. Reap the benefits of the real life experiences real hot tub owners have shared online. 

Very quickly you will find which websites are helpful and which are "HIDE FULL".  What does that mean? 

Do they provide specifics about their products?

Or do they just say they are the best with vague promises? 

It's so easy to simply want to believe what we want to be true. Especially when you find a low, low price. There is truth to the saying, "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is..."

How do you see yourself using your hot tub?

• Connecting and sharing time with your main loved one?

• Will you start a new tradition of sharing and exchanging family time, like you did as a child with your parents around the kitchen table?

• Will restore your mind and spirit , escaping at the end of a hectic day?  Will you start your morning focused and on fire with renewed energy?    Both?

• Connecting with Nature. Surrounding yourself with the fresh air, the sun, the stars and the sky as your canopy to fulfill your spiritual needs.

Are you your suffering? Has the weight your world damaged you not only mentally but physically? Your need a true hot tub experience. Your experience isn't just a wish or dream, but something that you desperately need.

Restore Wellness

Your Hot Spring spa could be just what the doctor ordered. A body of well-documented research suggests that hot water immersion can lower your blood pressure, increase blood circulation, loosen tight muscles and release endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. 

Here are just a few benefits you may experience from hydro massage therapy:

• A natural remedy for insomnia
• Increased joint mobility, flexibility and range of motion
• Reduction in joint stiffness and swelling
• Decreased anxiety
• Better, more rejuvenating sleep
• Arthritis pain relief

Then you can decide if the "bells and whistles" that some spa manufacturers tout really add to your experience. Otherwise unnecessary features can mean headaches to you.  In most cases, simplicity is the rule.  

Make sure you understand how to operate the spa, and strive to eliminate unnecessary features that are there just for show. A hot tub that is easy to use will give you the best experience.

Ask yourself, "Do I really need this?  Does this add therapeutic value to my spa?"  Remember, the most important thing is to obtain a relaxing, swirling hot therapy soak. Make your experience easy to 

You want a spa that is ready to use, and that works every time you want to get in it.  No troubles, no hassles.  Look at where the jets are placed.  Check  the pressure of the jets and make sure they provide relaxation and not punishment.  Hot Spring spas feature revolutionary "moto-massage" jets that move up and down the length of your back at a speed you control, providing an experience much like a manual massage.

6.  Can I have customer references?

Absolutely. 

We are proud of the outstanding reputation we have developed in 34 years of serving our pool and hot tub owners in southern Illinois. We can put you in touch with a number of customers to ask questions and get referrals about PoolCo.

View PoolCo testimonials. 

Remember, quality manufacturers have many satisfied customers. 

Read other Hot Spring owners stories.

7.  What size spa will best suit my needs?

Do you entertain a lot?  Do you have a big family?  

Before you shop, try to determine how often you are likely to use your spa and how many people you'll need to fit in it along with you. 

PoolCo and Hot Spring offer a hot tub for every budget and experience your wish to enjoy.

8.  How is the construction? Is it built to be easy to use and maintain? Is it built to save me money or drain my bank account?

Hot Spring. Quality never costs - It SAVES!

The quality of the construction and materials used will determine not only how long your portable spa will last, but the actual long-term cost to you as well.  Make sure the shell is made from a durable material that has been tested over time. Is the cabinet made with an alternative wood material that is easy to virtually maintenance free?  The components that run your spa should be field tested and backed strongly by the manufacturer's warranty.  

Hot Spring uses only the best materials, and their fully-insulated spas are designed to last longer and cost you less to keep up and operate on a daily basis for years to come.  Hot Spring products, for example, come with two durable pumps in every spa one the water jets and one for the heater. 

For those that like all the details, the PoolCo water experts, will gladly and patiently explain all the details on how each spa is made and the parts and materials used in construction.

9.  How much will it cost me to operate monthly? Is it energy-efficient?

Manufacturers or dealers should be able to provide you with documented information on the estimated costs of operation.  Inquire if the manufacturer has conducted a third-party study on the energy efficiency of their spas.

Often, spas with low initial purchase prices can cost two to three times a month more to heat than higher priced models, which in the long run may actually make them more expensive.

Don't take a  salesman's word for it, ask for the estimated costs in writing and ask your referrals what their experience has been.

These key questions along with a few of your own (i.e. What financing options do I have?  What is included in the price of this spa?) can help serve you as a great guide.

When you are ready, visit our showroom.

Experience our filled, operating hot tub displays.

Discover all the many price and feature options.

Or we can come to you.
Schedule a complimentary Backyard Consultation.

PoolCo is open to serve you all year round!

632 East Main, Carbondale, IL 62901


Call 618-529-3200  "Friend" PoolCo Carbondale on Facebook  Or send an email!

Hot Tub Warranties What To Know

NO BLAME GAME

The warranty is only as good as the company that makes it. 
The warranty is only as good as the company who sells and services your hot tub.

5 Year NO-Fault ® Heater Warranty
The heater is not affected by pH fluctuations like most other hot tubs.

Check out all the solid Energy Saving components that make go into making an Energy Smart Hot Spring.

7 Year Shell Surface Warranty
Watkins warrants the acrylic surface material of the Hot Spring portable spa to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for seven years. Additionally, the acrylic surface material is structurally warranted not to leak for seven years. The acrylic surface material is non permeable and will not absorb odors, bacteria or pollutants. 

5 Year No Leak Plumbing Warranty
Watkins warrants the Hot Spring spa against leaks caused by defects in manufacturing and workmanship for five years. This warranty specifically covers leaks from the wall fittings, jet fittings, internal plumbing, internal glue joints, drains, hoses, and all bonded parts.

5 Year Parts Warranty
Watkins warrants the electrical components, pump(s), Moto-Massage jets, air valves, levers, bezels and other Hot Spring spa components against defects in materials and workmanship for five years.

5 Year Everwood Cabinetry Warranty
Watkins warrants the Everwood cabinet material to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for five years.

PoolCo offers a great hot tub, great service and a great promise. 

Spa Technician Comment Card

A great hot tub is solidly constructed and backed by a peace of mind warranty. 

A great dealer delivers that promise takes care of you as long as you own your Hot Spring.

A Hot Tubber's Point of View

A "Lifesaver" for Leafy Pools

The PoolSkim uses the power of the water returning to the pool to create a venturi suction that draws surface water, and floating debris to it like a magnet. The debris is caught in an easy to clean clip on bag - leaving your pool sparkling.

The PoolSkim:

• Skims away floating debris such as leaves, grass, hair, dust and insects
• Attaches to your existing pool - no extra booster pump etc. required
• Self Adjusts to water level
•  Works in conjunction with suction cleaners
• Robust design
• Easy to clean - uses a tough re-useable clip on bag
• Reduces your pump's workload                                      
•  Puts a sparkle on your pool   
• Ideal for any pool - above ground or in ground

Aria hot tub by Hot Spring - Video

Aria by Hot Spring hot tubs

The Aria spa, a Consumers Digest Best Buy, sets the standard in energy-efficient hot tubs. 


Like every Hot Spring® spa, the Aria is certified to the highest energy-efficient standards, set by the California Energy Commission (CEC). 


The Aria includes exclusives like the Moto-Massage® DX jet and Tri-X® filters, along with special features like Precision® jets in the calf area of the lounge for enhanced hydromassage. 


The sleek cabinet profile adds a contemporary flair to any backyard.


And to complete the Aria spa experience, you can relax to the sound of your favorite song playing on an optional music system. 

How to Make a Restaurant Style Quality Steak at Home

Big Green Egg - Restaurant Quality Steak at Home

Egg-cersized Recipe #1 Chicken Enchilidas!

Egg-cersizing (def.) taking a great recipe and making it EVEN BETTER by cooking it on  the BIG GREEN EGG.

Chicken & Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

2 cups diced or shredded chicken breast meat (I used a rotisserie chicken for Schnucks)

½ teaspoon ground cumin  (I tripled this)

½ teaspoon ground coriander  (I tripled this)

Crushed garlic clove  (I tripled this)

2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (4.5 oz) can diced green chili peppers, drained

2 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce  (I made my own..1 (28oz) can of stewed tomatoes, drained plus 1 Tbspoon chili powder,  1 cup Chi-Chi’s medium salsa – processed in blender until smooth. )

8 (6 inch) corn tortillas

2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (I doubled this)

1 (8 oz) container sour cream

Directions:

Preheat the oven (Big Green Egg) to 375°.  

Use a large skillet (I used the Big Green Egg Paella Pan). 

Spray with vegetable cooking spray or coat with enough butter/oil to keep food from sticking to pan.

In a medium sized bowl,  stir  the cumin, coriander, cilantro and green chilis into the chicken.

Spread half of the enchilada sauce over the bottom of the pan.  

Place 4 tortillas over the sauce, overlapping if necessary. Spoon the chicken mixture over the tortillas, and sprinkle with half of the cheese and all of the sour cream (spreading sour cream over shredded cheese does take a little patience!)

Layer 4 more tortillas over the sour cream. Spoon the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas. Add the last of the shredded cheese. Top with sliced jalapeno peppers, if desired.

Bake for 25-30 minutes in the Big Green Egg. 

NOTE: Do not place the pan directly on the grilling rack. Instead,  place on an elevated rack* or use a “Big Green Egg plate setter” to raise the cooking surface (to prevent burning.) 

 Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

*Elevate rack by placing two bricks (about 10 inches or so apart) on their sides on main grilling rack. Place a second rack over the bricks or just place the pan directly on top of the bricks.

This came out soooooo good! Thinking you could leave out the tortillas  and serve with guacamole and tortilla chips on the side for an incredible appetizer dip / meal!

Win a Hot Spring hot tub!

Win a Hot Spring hot tub!

Baracuda Automatic Cleaner

PoolCo Pool Care Video (1998) Part 2

Did you miss Part 1?  You may wish to first view : PoolCo Produced Pool Care Video (1998) Part 1

New to pool ownership?

Perhaps you will appreciate and enjoy PoolCo's
"How To Care for Your PoolCo Pool" Video, Part 2 



"Water Chemistry and How to Apply Your BioGuard Pool Chemical 3 Step Programs"

Over 14 years ago, we included this video with any new pool purchased at PoolCo. (Proof, yet again, of how dedicated to customer service we were and are.)With the wide spread use of high speed internet, we are able to now share this video on our blog.

PoolCo Pool Care Video (1998) Part 1

New to pool ownership?

Perhaps you will appreciate and enjoy PoolCo's
"How To Care for Your PoolCo Pool" Video.

Over 14 years ago, we included this video with any new pool purchased at PoolCo. (Proof, yet again, of how dedicated to customer service we were and are.)With the wide spread use of high speed internet, we are able to now share this video on our blog.

Please now enjoy Part 1: How Operate Your Filtration System.

Produced by us in 1998, we are in the process of updating product images.

However, you should find our 14 year old video to be quite helpful in understanding how to operate your filter system, to properly add pool chemicals, routine maintenance, etc.

Cheaply Priced Hot Tubs are Very Expensive to Own

What about my heating and cooling costs*? 
The cost to space condition (heat/cool) a home is influenced by five factors:

• The thermostat setting
• The temperature outside
• The quality of the insulation and air tightness of the home
• The efficiency of the heating/cooling system
• The cost of the energy used by the heating/cooling system

You have control over all of these factors except one, the temperature outside. The other four items can be changed to some degree or other by you, the homeowner. An energy audit will help you evaluate these four factors. If you increase your attic insulation or put in a new heating system, how will that change your usage? 

And, is it a good investment? 

These are the types of questions an audit will help you answer. 

* Taken from Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association Website. 

Why Some Hot Tubs Cost More Than Others

The cost to heat a hot tub is influenced by the same five factors. Why then do some hot tub salespeople and manufacturers still ACTUALLY insist that you should avoid purchasing a fully foamed (insulated) hot tub? 

Because it is for their benefit - and NOT yours. 

Insulating a hot tub properly adds more expense to the cost of producing the tub. Cutting back on the amount and quality of insulation is one big way some hot tub manufacturers trim production costs. They know some shoppers are so focused on a low, low price.

A Cheaply Made, Low Priced Hot Tub is a Rip-Off

A cheaply made hot tub can only offer you a low price. You are being cheated out of a pleasurable and affordable ownership experience.

But who are you to believe?  

Do a little searching online. Google "hot tub insulation". Searching will result in many, many websites of hot tub owners inquiring how to ADD INSULATION to their expensive to operate hot tub. (A word of safety advice here - you REALLY have to know what you are doing if you are going to add insulation to a hot tub.)

Ask your friends who own hot tubs. If they own a Hot Spring they'll tell you the can't tell a difference in their monthly electric bill. If they own a anything else, you'll hear $60, $70, $80, $90 more a month to heat. Yikes!

Designing a hot tub that is energy efficient also increases the cost of the hot tub. 

• Design improvements keep the monthly operating (electricity) costs very low.  
• Design improvements keep the tub always at your ready to use set temperature. 
• No hassles with having to turn the thermostat up or down to save money on heating expenses. 
• Design improvements mean less wear and tear on the major components in the hot tub - this saves you a large amount of money. You hot tub is also so much more reliable in the long run.
• Design improvements mean a quieter tub. You don't want to hear your hot tub running when you are trying to sleep at night.

While the cost of the tub may be more, the long term ownership experience increases drastically compared to a cheaply made tub.

A well designed, quality hot tub may cost you a bit more initially, but over time will save you money in two ways:
1. You will own the tub for at least 10 years or more.
2. Over that 10 year period, your hot tub will cost you much less in monthly operating costs and replacement parts/labor costs. 

• Cheap tubs are loud and noisy. 
• Cheap tubs aren't comfortable. 
• Cheap tubs are expensive to operate. 
• Cheap tubs break down. 
• Cheap tubs don't last for years and years. 
• Cheap tubs... are very expensive to own.

10 Year Cost of Spa Ownership

Years 1 - 10				Hot Spring hot tubs	Competitors
	Energy Costs*			$20/MO=$240	$50/MO=$600
Year 1	Filter Replacements			$0	$0
	Ozone Bulb/Chip Replacement**			$0	$0
	Energy Costs			$240	$600
Year 2	Filter Replacements			$0	$100
	Ozone Bulb/Chip Replacement			$0	$120
	Energy Costs			$240	$600
Year 3	Filter Replacements			$0	$0
	Ozone Bulb/Chip Replacement			$0	$0
	Energy Costs			$240	$600
Year 4	Filter Replacements			$0	$100
	Ozone Bulb/Chip Replacement			$0	$120
	Energy Costs			$240	$600
Year 5	Filter Replacements			$100	$0
	Ozone Bulb/Chip Replacement			$0	$0
Years 6	Energy Costs			$1,200	$3,000
thru	Filter Replacements			$100	$300
Year 10	Ozone Bulb/Chip Replacement			$0	$360
10 year Cost of Ownership				$2,600	$7,100
Guaranteed Trade-In Value***				-$1,000	$0
Actual Cost of Ownership				$1,600	$7,100
Purchasing a PoolCo Hot Spring Family of Spas model spa saves you $5,500 over 10 Years !
* Energy costs assumes daily spa usage of one hour. PoolCo guarantees monthly energy cost.
**Watkins Corona Discharge Ozone system never requires any replacement of bulbs or chips

Manual or Automatic Vacuum?

How to attach a manual (you push/pull) vacuum.

Step by Step instructions for the easiest way to attach your manual vacuum cleaner. (These instructions also work for how to attach your Wahoo automatic cleaner.)

Spring pool opening, manually vacuuming FINE dirt on the bottom of the  pool on waste (or drain).

Spring pool opening, Baracuda Wahoo Cleaner vacuuming the pool.

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.