Saturday, April 28, 2012

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.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Why 3 Steps to Pool Care?



 



Smart Chlorine Program

  • Easy
  • Saves
  • Results

Each BioGuard® Care System has three important parts that help you maintain crystal blue sparkling water:
+ A sanitizer to kill bacteria
+ A shock to destroy contaminants
+ A preventative algaecide to stop algae before it starts.



Softswim Guide
Easy - all products are easy to apply. Each week you simply add your 3 steps.




Saves - Saves you time. Adding your 3 steps once a week is so much better than daily. Saves you money. Adding your 3 steps routinely prevents expensive pool problems.






Mineral Springs

Results - BioGuard® Care Systems are proven. Special technologies and manufacturing processes produce quality products vastly superior to anything available on the market today. Sparkling, beautiful water that is sanitary and safe for you and your family.






all the COOL KIDS go to POOL SCHOOL




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Saturday

April 28, 2012  

11 am - Noon

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Are YOU (And Your Pool) Ready for Summer?

Are you ready?
If the pool was winterized properly and you open early, proper cover removal will ensure that your pool opens relatively clear.


Basic Steps to Opening and Preparing Your Pool for Summer:

Plan to attend Pool School at POOLCO!

Remove water & debris from the top of the cover (and pool deck if you have one). DO NOT LET ANYTHING FROM THE TOP OF THE COVER GET INTO THE POOL!

Remove cover. You should be able to "float" the cover over the surface of the pool, if you have correctly followed our advice.

Clean the cover with BioGuard StowAway (or it WILL SMELL really, really bad next fall when you need to winterize your pool!) Do yourself a favor and dispose of any cover that has developed pinholes from the cover fabric pulling apart (or you will be pumping pool water from under the cover next spring when you open the pool....)

Tighten connections.
Attach Filter and Pump. Did you need to change your filter sand this year? Did you need to chemically clean the sand with BioGuard Filter Cleaner?

Tighten all hose connections -  SUPER TIGHT! 
The manufacture of flexible filter system connection hose recommends changing these annually. Biofilms develop inside the hoses that will require additional chemical treatment. In addition to this, the sun is very harsh and drying on the plastic. The bend in the hose can crack and then leak (and unwanted "fountain"...)

Screw in all pump and filter plugs.


Remove skimmer plate.
Remove plugs and skimmer covers from the pool.

How high is the water level? If there is enough water added to the pool - AND THE WATER IS CLEAR WITH NO FINE DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR** - then beginning running the filter system. Run the filter 24 hours a day for several days until the water clarity and chemical balance are perfect! Then you may reduce filter time to 8 - 12 hours per day (with the use of a timer - or you WILL forget to run filter!)

** If there is a layer of fine dirt (or worse) on the bottom of the pool you must remove this from the pool. Come see us with a water sample for how to best handle this situation.

Vacuum on waster or drain...
Immediately test and chemically treat the pool water.  Winterizing chemicals are often depleted by spring, especially if winter and spring temperatures were above average.

Algae starts small...
JUST BECAUSE THE POOL IS COVERED -  BACTERIA, WATER MOLDS, AND ALGAE CAN STILL REPRODUCE!

Bring a sample of water (16 ounce) to POOLCO for a complete water analysis. We will make opening dosage recommendations and customize your instructions based on your pool's needs, your budget and your time!
 Our friendly advice is always free!