How do I maintain proper water balance in my pool?
MAINTAIN PROPER WATER BALANCE
Free [ active] chlorine | "Free" chlorine is the measurement of available "active" chlorine. Once chlorine has attacked bacteria or algae growth, it becomes "spent". Spent chlorine (or chloramines} are removed by super-chlorinating. It is necessary to maintain a minimum level of free chlorine to sanitize pool water. High levels of spent chlorine irritate human eyes and smells unpleasant. These symptoms are not an indication that there is too much chlorine. But rather an indication that there is not enough free chlorine. [See "Shock (Super chlorine} Pool" below.] |
Acid/Soda Ash | For maximum effectiveness, chlorine requires a proper pH balance. Acid / Soda Ash Demand Test measures the pH level of the pool water. Maintain proper pH for chlorine effectiveness, the prevention of staining and scaling, and corrosion of finish and equipment. |
Alkalinity | It is necessary to maintain the proper level of total alkalinity in order to achieve the ideal pH balance. Total alkalinity acts as a buffer and creates the stabilization required to support an ideal pH balance. |
Calcium Hardness | To prevent scaling of the pool equipment and finish maintain the calcium hardness within the ideal range. Once the hardness reaches 600 ppm, the pool should be drained completely and refilled. |
Chlorine Stabilizer a.k.a. Conditioner | This chemical (cyan uric acid) prevents the sun's UV rays from depleting free chlorine. It creates a "conditioned" stable environment for maximum chlorine effectiveness. |
IDEAL CHEMICAL RANGES FOR BALANCING WATER
CHEMICALS | PLASTER FINISH | PEBBLETEC | NATURE 2 |
FREE CHLORlNE | WINTER 1.0 SUMMER 3.0 PPM |
WINTER 1.0 SUMMER3.0PPM |
WINTER .50-1.0 SUMMER 1.5 PPM |
PH | 7.2-7.6 | 7.2-7.8 |
DON'T USE ANY PRODUCTS CONTAINING COPPER |
ALKALINITY | 100-140 PPM (IDEAL 120) | 100-140 (IDEAL 130) | |
CALCIUM HARDNESS | 200-600 PPM | 200-600 PPM | |
CHLORINE STABELIZER | 35-90 PPM | 35-90 PPM |
SALT GENERATOR SYSTEMS ..... MAINTAIN MIN. OF 2500 PPM IN POOL WATER
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES & PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Proper testing and care insure years of pool pleasure, although neglect can cause serious problems and needless expense. Algae, stains, and scaling can be prevented. The constant control of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and hardness are essential to the prevention of bacteria, scale, and corrosion. Your pool will differ from your neighbors'. Differences in size, water temperature, and usage make each pool unique. Do not compare your pool to your neighbors.ALL FINISHES | PLASTER | PEBBLETEC |
RUN FILTER Min. 8hr. per day | ||
BRUSH POOL | 3x per day first 14 days. 2x per week thereafter. After storms. | Once per day first 7 days. Once per week thereafter. After storms. |
TEST CHLORINE Winter: weekly AND pH. Summer: every 3 days |
||
WATER ANALYSIS | At least once a week, first 4 weeks | At least once per week, first 4 weeks |
SHOCK POOL Each 2-4 weeks during Summer months. (Super-chlorinate**) | ||
CLEAN SAND FILTER | CLEAN CARTRIDGE FILTER | CLEAN DE FILTER |
+10lbs ABOVE CLEAN PSI OR ONCE PER WEEK. REPLACE SAND EVERY 5 YEARS. | +10lbs OVER CLEAN PSI OR ONCE EVERY 6-8 WEEKS. Cartridges should be cleaned one to two weeks after start-up and replaced every 3 years. | 3 WKS AFTER START-UP (PLASTER POOL) .+10lbs ABOVE CLEAN PSI OR EVERY 8 WKS. Take filter apart and clean once a year. Always add proper amount of DE after each cleaning. |
** Always remove all dirt and debris from all pool surfaces before you shock the water to prevent staining. Always use a sodium-based chlorine to shock or super
chlorinate the pool to prevent rapid calcium build-up. Remember to also clean out skimmer baskets. ADR canister, filter baskets etc., 011 a regular basis.